In a significant development for emergency medical services in St. Kitts, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws announced the arrival of five new ambulances at the Joseph N. France General Hospital. This addition comes at a crucial time, as the ambulance service has already responded to 1,628 emergency calls between January and September 2025, averaging 180 requests per month. Dr. Laws highlighted the growing reliance on emergency services, particularly during peak periods such as Christmas and Carnival, which place immense strain on the healthcare system. The new fleet, procured in collaboration with TDC Automotive, is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to handle emergencies, including road traffic accidents, natural disasters, and mass casualty events. Dr. Laws emphasized the importance of these vehicles in ensuring swift and reliable care for those in need, underscoring the critical role of emergency responders in safeguarding public health.
标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis
圣基茨和尼维斯
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Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis commissions five new custom-built ambulances to strengthen emergency medical response
In a significant move to bolster its healthcare infrastructure, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis officially commissioned five state-of-the-art, custom-built ambulances on October 27, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, marked a pivotal step in the nation’s ongoing efforts to improve emergency medical services and healthcare delivery. The event featured a symbolic motorcade through Basseterre, allowing residents to witness the new fleet and celebrate this milestone in the nation’s healthcare advancement. Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Dr. Terrance Drew, emphasized that this initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to tangible progress in healthcare. He highlighted that the ambulances, designed specifically for the Federation’s terrain, are equipped with advanced life-support systems, ensuring emergency care begins immediately upon arrival. Dr. Drew also expressed gratitude to the TDC Group of Companies and Toyota for their partnership, noting that the standardized fleet will enhance maintenance efficiency and longevity. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws praised the initiative as transformative, particularly ahead of the holiday season, emphasizing the fleet’s role in strengthening emergency response capabilities. This addition aligns with the government’s broader healthcare modernization agenda, ensuring timely and compassionate emergency care for all citizens.
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Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Evacuates Students from Jamaica Ahead of Hurricane Melissa
In a swift and decisive move, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has successfully evacuated its nationals studying in Jamaica ahead of the intensifying Hurricane Melissa. The evacuation, coordinated through the Prime Minister’s Office, saw 27 students board a chartered flight from Kingston, Jamaica, on Saturday evening, October 25, 2025. The flight was en route to Turks and Caicos before proceeding to St. Kitts on Sunday, October 26. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized that the government’s prompt action underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad. For students who chose to remain in Jamaica, arrangements have been made in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Student Association (SKNSA). These students are being housed in a secure hotel that meets safety and emergency standards, with official shelters also available if needed. The government is closely monitoring the situation in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, maintaining active communication with regional partners and CARICOM institutions. Nationals in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant, adhere to local authorities’ guidance, and keep in touch with their embassies. For assistance, contact details for key representatives have been provided, including Ms. Karyl Woods, President of the SKNSA, and Ambassador H.E. Verna Mills of the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Cuba.
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Asa Bantan, Spice, and Kes electrify Windsor Park on Night Two of WCMF
The second night of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) transformed Windsor Park Cricket Stadium into a vibrant hub of Caribbean culture, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. From bouyon to soca, reggae to dancehall, the festival was a testament to the rich musical heritage of the region. Thousands of enthusiastic patrons danced through the night, celebrating the diverse sounds that define the Caribbean. Asa Bantan, hailed as the King of Bouyon, kicked off the evening with a dramatic entrance that ignited the crowd. His performance, filled with hit after hit, solidified his reputation as one of Dominica’s most cherished artists. Despite a minor delay in the schedule, the energy remained unbroken, thanks to a meticulously curated lineup of top-tier performers. Kes the Band took the stage as dawn approached, delivering a mix of timeless classics and modern hits that resonated with fans of all ages. Spice followed, captivating the audience with her bold dancehall style, particularly empowering female fans with her provocative yet inspiring performance. A tribute to Vybz Kartel, though not physically present, stirred the crowd, who sang along passionately to his iconic tracks. Local Creole and bouyon acts also shone, ensuring that homegrown talent remained at the forefront of the festival. As the sun rose, the celebration continued, with revelers still dancing in the early morning light. With two nights behind them, anticipation is now building for the final night of WCMF, promising even greater energy and excitement as the festival draws to a close.
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Night one sets the stage ablaze at World Creole Music Festival
The 25th anniversary of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on Friday night, setting Windsor Park Stadium alight with an unforgettable showcase of Creole culture and musical brilliance. Known for its vibrant energy and regional significance, the festival attracted thousands of enthusiastic attendees, all adorned in their most colorful attire, ready to immerse themselves in a night of nonstop entertainment. The evening began with Oswald, whose fusion of reggae and Creole rhythms warmed up the crowd, setting the stage for an electrifying lineup. Burning Flames, the legendary soca band, kept the momentum soaring with their hit-filled repertoire, igniting the audience with their infectious beats. However, it was Romain Virgo who truly captivated the crowd, delivering a performance that underscored his status as one of the Caribbean’s most cherished artists. Masicka further energized the night with his lyrical mastery, cementing the opening night as a testament to the region’s extraordinary talent. As the festivities continued into the early hours of Saturday, the unwavering enthusiasm of the crowd highlighted the festival’s enduring spirit. With two more nights of celebration ahead, anticipation is at an all-time high for what promises to be a landmark silver anniversary event.
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Repeat offender sentenced to prison
In a significant ruling by the St. Christopher Circuit Court, 25-year-old Alexis Liddie has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for a series of criminal offences. The decision, handed down by His Lordship Justice Iain Morley KC on October 21, 2025, underscores the severe consequences of repeated criminal behaviour. Liddie’s sentence includes time for multiple crimes, notably two counts of sacrilege at the Antioch Baptist Church and a breaking and entering incident at Indigo Yachts.
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Cable & Wireless St. Kitts & Nevis Ltd Dividend Payment
Basseterre, 24 October 2025 – Cable & Wireless St. Kitts & Nevis Ltd has announced a dividend payout of EC$0.70 per share, approved by its Board of Directors. This payment covers the fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and will be distributed to shareholders recorded as of 19 September 2025. The Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) will facilitate the disbursement, effective from 24 October 2025. Additionally, the company has indicated that further details regarding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be communicated soon. The AGM will focus on reviewing the financial performance of the company over the aforementioned years. This announcement underscores the company’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders amidst its financial operations.
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Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is on high alert as Tropical Storm Melissa is forecasted to escalate into a major hurricane over the weekend. Authorities are actively coordinating with students in Jamaica, the Embassy in Cuba, and CARICOM partners in Haiti to mitigate the potential impacts of the storm. The government has reassured its citizens abroad that their safety is a paramount concern, with emergency teams prepared to provide assistance as necessary. Students at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica have been informed about designated shelters and are urged to register their details with the St. Kitts-Nevis Student Association for timely updates. Nationals in Cuba can contact the Embassy for consular support. The government is also assessing the status of commercial flights in the region, advising travelers to stay updated with airline advisories. All citizens in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain communication with official contacts. The government emphasizes its commitment to supporting its citizens during this uncertain time, with teams ready to mobilize assistance as needed.
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Officials remind that smoking in public remains illegal in St. Kitts and Nevis
In a recent public address, senior government and law enforcement officials in Saint Kitts and Nevis reiterated the strict prohibition of smoking in public spaces, emphasizing the legal consequences for violators. Under Section 3 of the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023, smoking outside designated areas is illegal, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. The law defines smoking broadly, encompassing cigarettes, cannabis, cigars, vaping, and other inhalation devices. During a recent episode of the radio and television program *InFocus*, members of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP) highlighted the health risks posed by public smoking, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Travis Rogers, Chair of the NCDAP and Assistant Commissioner of Police, clarified that while cannabis use has been decriminalized, it remains illegal to smoke it in public. Violators face a $500 fine, 20 hours of community service, or up to five days in prison for non-compliance. Karimu Byron-Caines, Director of the NCDAP Secretariat, emphasized the importance of balancing individual rights with public health and safety. She urged citizens to visit www.cannabisclarityskn.com for detailed information on the law. The NCDAP, alongside government agencies and law enforcement, continues to educate the public as full enforcement of the law approaches.
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Excitement builds as Dominica kicks off 25th World Creole Music Festival
The 25th World Creole Music Festival has officially begun in Dominica, marking a significant milestone for one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated cultural events. Held annually since 1997, the festival has become a cornerstone of Dominica’s cultural identity, blending Creole, soca, reggae, and bouyon rhythms into a vibrant showcase of the island’s musical heritage. This year’s silver jubilee theme, ‘Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories,’ underscores the festival’s role in uniting music lovers worldwide while amplifying Dominica’s cultural influence. Organizers emphasized the event’s ability to transcend entertainment, serving as a bridge that connects people through shared rhythms and traditions. The festival’s opening night promises a spectacular lineup, featuring renowned Caribbean artists such as Vybz Kartel and Spice, alongside a dedicated team of organizers, vendors, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience. Beyond its cultural significance, the festival provides a vital economic boost to Dominica, particularly during the island’s slower independence season. Local businesses, artisans, and performers benefit from the influx of visitors and international attention. As the festival continues to grow, it solidifies Dominica’s position as a global hub for Creole culture and world-class entertainment.