The tourism industry in St. Kitts and Nevis is experiencing robust growth, with significant increases in both air and cruise arrivals, as the nation gears up for its 2026 strategic objectives. Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson highlighted these positive trends during a recent stakeholder meeting, emphasizing key achievements such as an 18% rise in seat capacity, a 10% increase in visitor arrivals from January to September 2025, and a 29% surge in cruise arrivals compared to the previous season. Cruise passenger spending also climbed from $135 to $145 per person. Henderson underscored accessibility as a cornerstone of tourism expansion. As the government prepares its 2026 national budget, which will outline development priorities, Henderson described the stakeholder sessions as crucial for reflecting on accomplishments, identifying areas for improvement, and refining strategies for future goals. Tourism remains a vital economic driver for the Federation, benefiting related industries and sustaining economic activity. The minister outlined three core objectives for the sector: building resilience to external shocks, promoting year-round visitation to reduce seasonal vulnerabilities, and ensuring sustainable growth rooted in community partnerships. The Ministry has aligned its policies with this vision, updating the National Tourism Strategy to guide development through 2026 and beyond. Efforts include professionalizing the sector through initiatives like the Lifeguard Policy, which enhances visitor safety, and legislative amendments to the Prescribed Areas Act to support diverse tourism-related businesses. Cross-ministerial collaborations with the Ministries of Environment, Public Infrastructure, and Energy aim to strengthen sustainability through waste management, renewable energy adoption, and coastal conservation practices. As global travel trends evolve, St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to build on these achievements, ensuring tourism remains a sustainable and inclusive economic engine.
标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis
圣基茨和尼维斯
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Liberty Caribbean Foundation Mobilises Relief for Jamaica
In response to the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Liberty Caribbean Foundation has initiated a comprehensive relief operation to aid affected communities in Jamaica. The foundation, the charitable arm of Flow and Liberty Business, has mobilized resources and logistics to deliver essential supplies, including food, water, emergency kits, and connectivity solutions, as soon as local authorities grant access to the disaster-stricken areas.
Prioritizing the safety of its employees, the foundation is actively confirming the well-being of its staff while preparing for immediate relief shipments. Inge Smidts, CEO of Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the organization’s commitment to both its people and the broader communities, stating, ‘Our first duty is to our people and to the communities who rely on us. We are committed to providing immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery efforts.’
The foundation is collaborating with national and local authorities, community organizations, and trusted partners to ensure efficient and targeted aid distribution, avoiding duplication and focusing on the most vulnerable populations. Simultaneously, Liberty Caribbean’s crisis-management teams are working to restore critical communications infrastructure, recognizing the importance of connectivity in recovery efforts.
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on October 28, 2025, tying it with historic hurricanes like Dorian (2019) and the ‘Labor Day’ hurricane (1935) in terms of intensity. The foundation is calling for public and corporate support to scale its relief operations, with donations directly funding emergency supplies and long-term recovery programs. Contributions can be made securely online at the foundation’s dedicated hurricane relief portal.
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NIA Cabinet Engages Media in Special Press Conference on Proposed Destiny SSZ Project
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Cabinet convened a special press conference on October 28, 2025, to discuss the proposed Destiny Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) Project, a significant development planned for the island’s south coast. The event, attended by media representatives from St. Kitts and Nevis, underscored the NIA’s commitment to transparency and democratic engagement. Premier Mark Brantley, who also serves as Minister of Tourism and Foreign Investment, highlighted the media’s crucial role in disseminating accurate information to the public. He emphasized that the government has conducted numerous stakeholder consultations to ensure inclusivity and transparency. During the conference, Cabinet Minister Spencer Brand presented a detailed overview of the project, covering aspects such as design, marina development, and anticipated economic benefits. Journalists raised questions on various topics, including investor due diligence, land sales, profit-sharing, and infrastructure investment. Premier Brantley clarified that no formal agreement has been signed with developers, countering negative rhetoric surrounding the project. He reiterated the NIA’s dedication to consulting widely with diverse groups, including business leaders, church officials, and the general public, to ensure the project aligns with the best interests of Nevisians. Upcoming consultations with youth and local contractors are planned as part of the ongoing effort to gather comprehensive feedback.
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Saint Kitts and Nevis poised for steady economic growth in 2026 and beyond
The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is on track for sustained growth in 2026 and beyond, according to projections shared during the Budget 2026 National Forum. Acting Financial Secretary Mr. Carlton Pogson outlined the nation’s economic outlook at the event held on October 29, 2025, at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Pogson emphasized that while the growth rate for 2025 is expected to be modest at 1.1 percent, it signifies a return to pre-pandemic economic stability. This tempered growth reflects the tapering of post-pandemic recovery efforts and sets a solid foundation for future expansion. Inflation has also seen a significant decline, dropping from highs of 2.7 percent in 2022 and 3.6 percent in 2023 to a modest 1.0 percent in 2024 and 0.6 percent as of August 2025. Looking ahead, the medium-term outlook from 2026 to 2030 is more optimistic, with average annual growth projected at 2.5 percent. By the end of the decade, GDP is expected to reach EC$2.7 billion, driven by broad-based growth across all sectors. Key industries such as Agriculture and Fishing, Construction, and Hotels and Restaurants are anticipated to play pivotal roles in this expansion. Despite these positive trends, Pogson cautioned that external factors such as geopolitical tensions, global economic slowdowns, and climate change could pose challenges. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to fostering a resilient and diversified economy, aligned with the Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), to enhance the quality of life for all citizens and residents.
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TDC Home and Building Depots Continue to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
In a continued effort to combat breast cancer, TDC Home and Building Depots have reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness and promoting early detection. Throughout October 2025, the retail chain hosted “Solidarity Saturdays,” offering free breast screenings to the public. These sessions, held in a specially designated “Pink Room” within the stores, provided a safe, private, and confidential environment for both women and men. Conducted by certified health professionals, the initiative also included one-on-one counseling and referral services, emphasizing the critical message that early detection saves lives. Over seventy individuals participated, with some also receiving free mammograms. This annual event is part of TDC’s broader community outreach program, aimed at educating customers and staff about breast cancer symptoms, screening, and treatment options. The initiative underscores the company’s dedication to supporting survivors and inspiring those affected by the disease.
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St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union holds its Eighty-Sixth Annual Conference
The St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union marked its 86th Annual Conference on October 26, 2025, at the St. Kitts Solid Waste Management Corporation Conference Room in Basseterre. The event, themed ‘Social Protection for All Workers: Strengthening Collective Bargaining and Trade Union Rights,’ highlighted the Union’s enduring commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and social protection. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, in a message read by General Secretary Ms. Precious Mills, praised the Union for its decades-long dedication to justice, dignity, and empowerment for workers. He emphasized the Union’s historic alliance with the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party as a cornerstone of national progress. The conference featured a health and wellness exercise led by Executive Floor Member Ms. Jutambien Kelly, inspired by last year’s presentation by Dr. Sharon Osborne. Notable attendees included His Excellency David Rivero Perez, Cuba’s Resident Ambassador, and His Excellency Edward Ling-Wen Tao, Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador. Representatives from opposition parties, the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) and the People’s Action Movement (PAM), also participated. President Mr. Sydney Bridgewater addressed the pressing global challenges faced by workers, including rising living costs and job insecurity. Guest Speaker Ms. Sybil Welsh, Senior Projects Specialist at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, emphasized the importance of financial planning for institutional growth, urging organizations to adopt strategic planning to ensure sustainable development. The conference concluded with General Secretary Ms. Mills reaffirming the Union’s commitment to championing workers’ rights in St. Kitts and Nevis.
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“Final Stretch”: PM Drew Updates Nation on Historic MRI Project
Basseterre, St. Kitts – In a significant milestone for healthcare modernization, Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Dr. Terrance Drew, announced that the construction of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility at the Joseph N. France General Hospital (JNF) is nearing completion. The project, which began in 2024, is part of a broader initiative to enhance diagnostic services across the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. During an ambulance commissioning ceremony on October 28, 2025, Dr. Drew revealed that the MRI machine is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026. The Prime Minister emphasized that the facility will eliminate the need for many citizens to seek advanced diagnostic services abroad, marking a transformative step in local healthcare accessibility. The MRI building was specifically designed to meet the technical requirements of the equipment, as no existing space in the hospital was suitable. This project is part of a comprehensive healthcare strategy that includes the acquisition of a CT-scan unit and ongoing infrastructure upgrades at JNF. Dr. Drew reaffirmed his government’s commitment to equitable healthcare access, stating, ‘This investment in emergency medical response is a direct expression of our commitment to social justice. Healthcare is not a privilege but a human right.’
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Over 1,600 Emergency Calls Handled in Nine Months: New Ambulances Arrive at a Critical Time, Says CMO
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.
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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.