Carib Scope

标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

圣基茨和尼维斯

  • Internal fighting across Africa continues to destabilize the region

    Internal fighting across Africa continues to destabilize the region

    In a stark press briefing from United Nations Headquarters in New York, senior UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has renewed global warnings over the rapidly deteriorating security and humanitarian landscape driven by persistent internal conflicts spanning multiple African nations. The ongoing violence has sent death tolls climbing, forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, and stretched already overburdened local and international aid agencies to their breaking point.

    The crisis in Sudan remains one of the most pressing emergencies, Dujarric confirmed. Recurrent drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure in Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, have paralyzed core humanitarian operations. Just one day after drone attacks targeted Khartoum’s airport and surrounding urban areas, all incoming and outgoing flights remain suspended — a major disruption given the airport’s central role in moving aid workers and life-saving supplies into the country. Dujarric noted that the UN’s on-the-ground team has already resettled in Khartoum to coordinate relief efforts, but the persistent attacks have blocked their ability to deliver support to vulnerable populations.

    Further south in Sudan’s White Nile State, fresh drone strikes hit multiple locations in the city of Kosti, including two fuel stations located in a crowded commercial district, just one day after another fuel station and tanker were hit in the area. The strikes have caused an unconfirmed number of civilian casualties and knocked out critical basic services for local residents. In North Darfur’s El Fasher, the security situation continues to spiral downward: new data from the International Organization for Migration shows that more than 138,000 civilians have fled El Fasher and surrounding rural villages between October 2025 and March 2026 alone, joining the millions of already displaced people across the country.

    Against this backdrop, the UN is reiterating its core demands for all warring parties: an immediate ceasefire, full protection for civilians and civilian infrastructure, and unimpeded, fast access for aid convoys to reach communities in need. “We continue to call for an immediate stop to the fighting; for civilians and civilian infrastructure to be protected, and not be targeted; and for aid to be allowed to reach people swiftly, safely, and without any obstruction,” Dujarric told reporters.

    In the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ituri Province, UN-led humanitarian negotiations have scored a small, long-awaited victory: after months of blocked access caused by surging violence, aid groups have been able to resume life-saving food distributions at the Plaine Savo displacement camp, where more than 71,000 displaced people are sheltering. This marks the first large-scale food delivery to the site since December 2025, when a wave of armed clashes cut off all access to the camp. Ahead of the delivery, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis and OCHA Ituri head Carla Martinez traveled to the camp to meet with displaced families, local leaders, and aid partners to assess on-the-ground conditions, and called on all armed and state actors to guarantee permanent safe access for aid groups.

    Even with the resumption of food aid, the situation in Plaine Savo remains dire. Clashes continue to flare in surrounding areas, leaving displaced families facing acute hunger and constant danger. Local reports confirm that at least 21 displaced residents have been killed since December 2025 while venturing into nearby fields to search for food, underscoring the deadly risk civilians face even within camp perimeters.

    The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, has stepped in to support conflict-affected communities beyond humanitarian aid, recently assisting hundreds of people caught in recent armed clashes and escorting final-year secondary students to sit their national exams. At the request of school administrators, 200 students from three schools in Gina, Djugu territory — the site of recent deadly armed clashes between groups including the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP) — were escorted by peacekeepers to the provincial capital of Bunia to take their exams. MONUSCO peacekeepers also rescued nearly 200 civilians trapped under CRP fire during the recent violence. After exams conclude on May 7, the students will be escorted back to Gina under armed guard.

    To the north in Mali, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is sounding the alarm over a sharp spike in coordinated attacks across multiple towns and cities carried out last week. The attacks caused heavy civilian casualties and forced hundreds of additional families to flee their homes, with more civilian deaths reported in follow-up clashes over the weekend. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an immediate end to all hostilities, urging all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilian lives and critical infrastructure. Malian authorities have launched an official investigation into the attacks, which took place between April 25 and 26 2026.

  • Young track stars shine as Team Nevis claims victory at the Inter-Island Primary Athletics Championships

    Young track stars shine as Team Nevis claims victory at the Inter-Island Primary Athletics Championships

    After a six-year break from competitive inter-island youth sports, the St. Kitts and Nevis Inter-Island Primary Athletics Championship made its triumphant return on May 3, hosted at the state-of-the-art Mondo Track at Nevis Athletic Stadium. Co-organized by SKN Athletics and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), the long-awaited event drew crowds of enthusiastic track fans and set the stage for the federation’s most promising young primary school athletes to test their skill, speed and grit against their peers from across the two islands.

    The competition spanned four age divisions, from Under-9 through Under-13, giving rising male and female athletes the chance to compete for individual and team glory across a full slate of track events. When the final race crossed the finish line, Team Nevis claimed the overall championship title, turning in a dominant performance that earned the squad 19 gold medals, 14 silver medals, and 10 bronze medals. Team St. Kitts turned in a strong showing of their own, racking up 15 golds, 20 silvers, and 16 bronzes to cement the tight, competitive nature of the meet.

    Two young standouts earned the highest individual honors of the championship. Roné Isles, a rising star from Team Nevis, secured the title of Victrix Ludorum for her extraordinary multi-event performance. Isles claimed three individual gold medals in the Girls Under-13 400m, Girls Under-13 800m, and Girls Open 1200m, before adding two more gold medals as a key member of the winning Girls Under-13 4x100m and Girls Open 4x400m relay squads. Calvert Gift of Team St. Kitts took home the Victor Ludorum title for his own exceptional performances across the meet.

    Hon. Senator Troy Liburd, Nevis Island Administration’s Minister of Education and Youth, joined a wave of public praise for all competing athletes after the event. “On Sunday we celebrated not just a victory, but the power of teamwork, perseverance, and national pride,” Liburd said in his address following the championship. He extended formal congratulations to Team Nevis on their overall win, noting that the result stood as a testament to the relentless dedication of the young athletes, their coaches, and supportive families who nurture growth both on and off the track. “Your collective effort has made the entire Federation proud. Well done, Team Nevis- your success inspires us all,” he added.

    Liburd also made a point to celebrate Team St. Kitts’ strong competitive showing, emphasizing that the sportsmanship, mutual respect, and athletic excellence on display throughout the championship perfectly embodied the unifying spirit of healthy competition that the event was built to foster. The championship’s return has already reignited widespread excitement for youth track and field across the federation, with fans and organizers looking ahead to the next installment of the inter-island competition.

  • Young Track Stars Shine as Team Nevis Claims Victory at Inter-Island Primary Athletics Championships

    Young Track Stars Shine as Team Nevis Claims Victory at Inter-Island Primary Athletics Championships

    After a six-year pause that left young track and field enthusiasts across St. Kitts and Nevis waiting for top-level inter-island youth competition, the St. Kitts and Nevis Inter-Island Primary Athletics Championships made its triumphant return on May 3, 2026. Hosted at Nevis’ state-of-the-art Mondo Track at the Nevis Athletic Stadium by SKN Athletics and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), the 2026 edition delivered three days of thrilling competition that ended with Team Nevis securing the overall championship title, with congratulations flooding in from across the federation for the young rising stars.

    Athletes from the primary school systems of both Nevis and St. Kitts, ranging in age groups from Under-9 to Under-13, took to the track to test their speed, endurance and competitive grit against the best young talent in the country. For many of the young competitors, this marked their first experience of a large-scale inter-island sporting event, bringing a electric energy to the stadium that was felt by athletes, coaches, and packed crowds of supporters.

    When the final race was run and all points were tallied, Team Nevis claimed victory with a dominant medal haul: 19 gold medals, 14 silver medals, and 10 bronze medals. Team St. Kitts turned in a standout performance of their own, finishing with 15 gold, 20 silver, and 16 bronze medals, showcasing the depth of young athletic talent across both islands.

    Several young athletes delivered career-defining performances to earn top individual honors. Roné Isles, a rising middle-distance star from Team Nevis, was named the meet’s Victrix Ludorum (top female athlete) after an unprecedented five gold medal finish. Isles took individual gold in the Girls Under-13 400m, Girls Under-13 800m, and Girls Open 1200m, before adding two more gold medals as a key member of the winning Girls Under-13 4x100m relay and Girls Open 4x400m relay teams. The Victor Ludorum title for top male athlete went to Calvert Gift of Team St. Kitts, who also turned in a series of impressive performances across his events.

    Hon. Senator Troy Liburd, NIA’s Minister of Education and Youth, was among the first public officials to congratulate the winning team, praising not just the final result but the values the competition fostered for young people across the country. “On Sunday we celebrated not just a victory, but the power of teamwork, perseverance, and national pride,” Liburd said in official remarks following the meet. “I extend heartfelt congratulations to Team Nevis on their outstanding victory at the St. Kitts and Nevis Inter-Island Primary Athletics Championship.”

    “This achievement is a testament to the dedication, discipline, and resilience of our student athletes, the unwavering commitment of their coaches, and the steadfast support of parents who continue to nurture excellence both on and off the field. Your collective effort has made the entire Federation proud. Well done, Team Nevis- your success inspires us all,” Liburd added.

    The minister also extended praise to Team St. Kitts for their strong competitive showing, noting that the mutual respect and good sportsmanship on display throughout the championship embodied the core values that the event was designed to promote. “The sportsmanship and athletic excellence displayed throughout the meet embodied the true spirit of unity and healthy competition that defines the games,” he said.

    The return of the inter-island primary championship after six years has been widely hailed as a critical milestone for developing youth athletics in St. Kitts and Nevis, giving promising young athletes a platform to showcase their skills and build experience ahead of future national and regional competitions. Organizers have confirmed that the event will return on an annual basis moving forward, continuing the tradition of fostering the next generation of track and field talent across the federation.

  • Caribbean POSH Marks a Decade of Elevating Caribbean Women—Nominations Now Open

    Caribbean POSH Marks a Decade of Elevating Caribbean Women—Nominations Now Open

    Against the backdrop of global Female Founders Month celebrations, a transformative regional movement is marking a major milestone: Caribbean POSH, the pioneering network dedicated to lifting up Caribbean women at home and across the global diaspora, is celebrating a full decade of driving visibility, connection, and recognition for female leaders across the Caribbean.

    Founded by visionary leader Janette Brin, the organization grew from a simple but urgent observation: Caribbean women building businesses, innovating across sectors, and leading community change were systematically overlooked, lacking accessible networks and mainstream recognition for their work. What began as a small initiative to fill that gap has evolved into a dynamic, cross-border movement that unites women across dozens of island nations and diaspora communities around the world. Through intentional storytelling, curated professional and community events, and targeted strategic opportunities, Caribbean POSH has broken down geographic barriers that long isolated female innovators across the region.

    “From its very start, Caribbean POSH existed to make sure Caribbean women are seen, supported, and positioned to lead on the global stage,” Brin shared in reflecting on the organization’s 10-year journey. “What we’ve built over the past decade is far more than an annual gathering. It’s a thriving community where collaboration grows, unheard stories are lifted up, and the impact of Caribbean women’s work can no longer be ignored.”

    This year’s landmark anniversary celebration will center on the annual Caribbean POSH Weekend and ICON Woman Awards, which organizers say will be the most impactful iteration in the program’s history. The 2026 event will highlight how far the movement has come: today, Caribbean women are no longer building their ventures and initiatives in isolation, but working collectively to reshape global perceptions of the region and drive inclusive economic and social progress.

    Over the past 10 years, Caribbean POSH’s impact has stretched across three core areas: amplifying underrepresented Caribbean women’s voices on both regional and international stages, fostering cross-island and cross-border collaboration between on-island leaders and diaspora communities, and building intentional spaces for recognition, professional connection, and leadership development. As global conversations about gender equity, female representation, and equitable global influence continue to expand, Caribbean POSH has emerged as a leading voice reshaping narratives about the Caribbean: framing the region not as a peripheral economic player, but as a hub of excellence, innovation, and collective female power.

    To cap off the anniversary year, Caribbean POSH has officially opened public nominations for the 2026 ICON Woman Awards, inviting community members across the globe to put forward exceptional Caribbean women making meaningful contributions across four key areas: business, leadership, creative industries, and community impact. Organizers frame nominations themselves as a critical act of recognition, creating an opportunity to lift up women whose transformative work has yet to receive the regional and global celebration it deserves.

    Nominees are evaluated based on three core criteria: demonstrated leadership and innovation in their chosen field, measurable positive impact within their local or regional communities, and a public embodiment of the strength, resilience, and excellence that defines Caribbean female leadership. Interested nominators can submit entries through the official Caribbean POSH website at https://caribbeanposh.com/wkd/icon-awards-2026/.

    Today, Caribbean POSH operates as a multi-platform ecosystem dedicated to advancing its core mission of elevating Caribbean women through increased visibility, expanded professional opportunity, and cross-community connection. Beyond its annual flagship weekend and awards program, the organization runs digital media initiatives and ongoing community programming that works year-round to position Caribbean women as influential, essential contributors to global business, culture, and innovation.

  • Deputy Premier, Honourable Eric Evelyn Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Lands, Natural Resources, et al. Nevis Island Administration Agriculture Awareness Month 2026 Address

    Deputy Premier, Honourable Eric Evelyn Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Lands, Natural Resources, et al. Nevis Island Administration Agriculture Awareness Month 2026 Address

    Nevis, May 5, 2026 – Deputy Premier Eric Evelyn, who also serves as Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources, Lands, and Natural Resources for the Nevis Island Administration, has officially opened the 14th annual Agriculture Awareness Month, marking the initiative’s 13-year legacy since its launch in 2013.

    Since its inception, the month-long event has held three core objectives: shining a public spotlight on agriculture’s foundational role in Nevis’ ongoing development, highlighting the sector’s major recent progress, boosting morale among agricultural ministry staff, and strengthening collaborative ties between the Department of Agriculture, industry partners, working farmers, and the broader Nevis community. A key ongoing priority of the campaign that will be amplified again this year is encouraging local residents to embrace the mantra of “eat what we grow, grow what we eat” to strengthen local food systems.

    This year’s observance builds on the overwhelming success of the 30th iteration of the Nevis Agri Expo, the sub-region’s leading agricultural showcase held March 26–27, 2026. With uniformly positive feedback from attendees and participants across the two-day event, organizers say Agriculture Awareness Month is designed to extend that momentum into sustained industry advancement.

    The 2026 campaign centers on the theme “Rooted In History, Utilizing Land and Sea”, which reflects the sector’s deep ties to Nevis’ national identity. Agriculture was a core pillar of Nevis’ early economic growth, and the modern industry has evolved steadily to retain its outsized importance for the island’s continued development today. The theme also underscores the dual focus of this year’s activities: maximizing the potential of Nevis’ two critical agricultural resources – terrestrial land and coastal marine ecosystems.

    Evelyn emphasized that sustainable, climate-smart management of limited land resources is now a non-negotiable priority for the sector. As land becomes increasingly scarce, he noted that responsible land use, paired with integrated modern technology, is essential to boosting optimal yields for both crop and livestock production. Equally important, he added, is the science-based management of marine resources, which provide critical dietary protein for Nevisians and support livelihoods for hundreds of local fishers. Sustained, conservation-focused practices are required to maintain and grow healthy marine stocks for future generations, he said.

    The 2026 Agriculture Awareness Month kicked off with an opening church service on May 3 at Charlestown’s Wesleyan Holiness Church, with organizers extending thanks to the congregation for their warm hospitality and blessing for the month’s activities. A full slate of community and industry-focused events will run through the end of May:
    – May 13: A collaborative training workshop on sweet potato weevil management, hosted in partnership with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI)
    – May 18–22: Enhancement and improvement works for Charlestown’s Memorial Square
    – May 20: Two concurrent events – a technical workshop on small ruminant management, and an open house hosted by the Vet and Livestock Division
    – May 26–29: Free distribution of fruit trees and seedlings to local residents
    – May 6–29: A special discounted promotion for commercial farmers and backyard gardeners on biostimulants and select seed varieties

    Evelyn urged all local farmers to take advantage of the training opportunities and participate actively in the month’s activities, extending well wishes to all stakeholders ahead of the observance. “During this Agriculture Awareness Month, let us continue to build on the gains we have made in the agriculture sector. Let us continue our food security drive. Let us support local, let us eat local,” he said, closing with a blessing for the industry, its workers, and the island of Nevis.

    This report is based on an official press release distributed to local media outlet SKNVibes.com, which published the address in its original unedited form.

  • Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies renew commitment for 2026 primary schools ‘Five For Fun’ Cricket Programme

    Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies renew commitment for 2026 primary schools ‘Five For Fun’ Cricket Programme

    In an exciting development for grassroots youth cricket across the Caribbean, Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have formally renewed their collaborative partnership for the 2026 iteration of the popular Primary Schools ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket Programme, reaffirming their long-held shared dedication to nurturing young talent and strengthening community cricket across the region.

    Now marking its sixth consecutive year of operation, the fast-paced, inclusive initiative has cemented its status as a foundational pillar of youth cricket development in the Caribbean. Tailored specifically for children aged 7 to 11, the program opens the door to structured access to cricket — the region’s most culturally unifying national pastime — welcoming participants of all genders. Unlike traditional competitive cricket formats, Five for Fun introduces young learners to the core rules and skills of the game through a dynamic, modern framework that prioritizes participation, fun, and the development of transferable life skills over winning at all costs.

    The 2026 competition season is scheduled to run from April through September, with activities hosted across five established Caribbean locations: Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. In a key milestone for the program’s growth this year, organizers have expanded the regional footprint to include Barbados for the first time ever. When the season kicks off, more than 320 primary schools across 187 local communities are expected to take part, engaging over 10,000 young students in professional structured coaching sessions and low-pressure competitive matches.

    Richard S. Sammy, Group Vice President of Republic Financial Holdings and Vice President of Republic Bank, emphasized the institution’s core belief in the transformative power of recreational sport in a statement on the partnership renewal. “At Republic Bank, we believe in the power of sport as a conduit for building confidence, character, and transforming lives. Our continued partnership with Cricket West Indies through the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme reflects our commitment to youth development and strengthening communities across the Caribbean,” Sammy explained. “Through this initiative, we are not only introducing children to the joy of cricket, but also helping them develop important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, resilience, and ambition. These lessons extend far beyond the field and help prepare them for success in every aspect of life. We are proud to support a programme that creates meaningful pathways for the next generation, both in sport and in leadership across our region.”

    CWI Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the unique value of the long-running public-private partnership for Caribbean communities. “Cricket West Indies is tremendously proud of our continued partnership with Republic Bank on the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket programme, as it continues to grow as a vital grassroots initiative, combining cricket development with life skills in a safe and engaging environment where young boys and girls can learn, express themselves, thrive and grow,” Dehring said. “It reflects a shared commitment to ensuring cricket remains a meaningful part of the school experience, while creating clear development pathways for young talent across the Caribbean to progress both on and off the field.”

    The Five for Fun Programme operates as a core component of the Caribbean’s broader regional cricket development ecosystem, working in close coordination with local and national stakeholders including regional Ministries of Education and Sport, national Cricket Associations, public primary school systems, local community cricket clubs, and other community partners. This integrated collaborative model has already delivered proven results: several program alumni have already progressed to represent their home countries at both the national junior and senior international cricket levels.

    As the program continues to expand its reach and impact across the Caribbean, it has emerged as a leading example of how intentional strategic partnerships between private enterprise and sporting governing bodies can integrate sport and education to empower the next generation of both Caribbean cricketers and community leaders.

  • Destiny Huggins crowned Miss Labour Queen 2026 in St Kitts and Nevis – WIC News

    Destiny Huggins crowned Miss Labour Queen 2026 in St Kitts and Nevis – WIC News

    On a vibrant Saturday night at St Kitts and Nevis’ iconic Carnival Village, the 2026 Miss Labour Queen Pageant concluded with Destiny Huggins, representing Constituency Four, taking home the coveted national title. Competing against seven other talented contestants from every constituency across the federation, Huggins secured the crown with a final score of 1152.5 points, outperforming her competitors across all judged segments of the competition.

    Azalea Juman of Constituency One finished as the pageant’s first runner-up with a total score of 1108.5 points, while Eushadika Frances from Constituency Three claimed second runner-up with 1081.5 points. Rounding out the top four finalists was Dennidra Evelyn of Constituency Six, who earned third runner-up honors with 1062.5 points. The full group of competitors also included Denlisa Liburd (Constituency Two), Raynecia Hodge (Constituency Five), Dejhanee Moses (Constituency Seven), and Jewel Smith (Constituency Eight), all of whom brought standout energy and skill to the annual event.

    Judges evaluated contestants across four core competitive categories: a motivational speech segment, a talent showcase, creative wear, and formal evening wear. The official crowning ceremony was led by Dr. Terrance Drew, who serves as both Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and Leader of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, the organizer of the pageant. Drew was joined on stage by outgoing 2025 Miss Labour Queen Shakaylia “Star” Tatem, who passed the legendary title to the new champion.

    In an official statement shared following the event, the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party extended praise to every participant: “Congratulations to all the phenomenal queens who graced the stage. You all represented strength, beauty, and the true spirit of Labour with pride. The bar has been raised, the legacy continues, and the future is shining even brighter. Until next year, the crown reigns supreme.”

    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas also celebrated the competitors in a public Facebook post, emphasizing the pageant’s core mission of empowering young women across the federation. “Each contestant represented her constituency with pride, strength, and excellence. You are all winners in your own right, and your participation continues to uplift and empower young women across our Federation,” Douglas wrote.

    As a centerpiece of the country’s annual Labour Day celebrations, the Miss Labour Queen Pageant serves a dual purpose: it honors the legacy of the labour movement while providing a public platform for young women to showcase their talents, leadership, and personal growth. This year’s pageant coincides with a full slate of Labour Day activities, including a traditional wreath-laying ceremony, a public holiday march scheduled for May 4, and a requiem mass. 2026 also marks the 93rd Annual Conference of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, adding extra significance to this year’s lineup of national events.

  • Senator Isalean Phillip tables Saint Kitts and Nevis’ first-ever National Disability Policy

    Senator Isalean Phillip tables Saint Kitts and Nevis’ first-ever National Disability Policy

    Basseterre, Saint Kitts — In a landmark step toward building a more equitable, inclusive nation, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has introduced its first ever national framework to advance the rights and quality of life for people living with disabilities across the federation.

    On April 30, 2026, Senator the Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of State with oversight for ageing and disability affairs, formally tabled the 2026–2030 National Disability Policy in the country’s Federal Parliament. The policy is a core component of the nation’s broader Sustainable Island State Agenda and aligns directly with priorities outlined in the National Development Planning Framework, rolling out a structured blueprint of guiding principles and actionable strategies to embed full inclusion for disabled people into every sector of national life.

    The new policy is anchored in 10 key imperatives that address longstanding gaps and systemic barriers facing disabled residents:
    1. **Removal of Environmental Barriers**: Mandates equal access to public spaces, transportation systems, information resources, and necessary assistive devices for all disabled people.
    2. **Education, Training and Lifelong Learning**: Guarantees equal access to educational opportunities and certification pathways for disabled students and adult learners.
    3. **Economic Inclusion and Financial Security**: Upholds the fundamental right of disabled people to secure employment, earn a living wage, and build long-term financial stability.
    4. **Public Awareness and the Attitudinal Barrier**: Integrates disability rights education into national school curricula and paves the way for a nationwide public awareness campaign to shift harmful societal attitudes.
    5. **Health and Wellness**: Builds a disability-inclusive health sector, ensuring equitable access to high-quality physical and mental healthcare services.
    6. **Inclusive Housing and Liveable Communities**: Establishes quotas for accessible public housing, introduces a home retrofit grant program, and requires accessibility upgrades for shared public spaces including emergency shelters, sports facilities, and community centers.
    7. **Social, Cultural and Public Participation**: Protects the right of disabled people to participate in cultural life, sports, civic processes including voting, and decision-making that impacts their communities and families.
    8. **Legal Capacity, Protection and Access to Justice**: Mandates a review of existing legislation and procedures to eliminate intentional and unintentional discrimination against disabled people, and creates a formal Disability Commission to receive and investigate reports of rights violations.
    9. **Disability Data and Research for Planning**: Implements structured collection and analysis of disaggregated disability data to enable ongoing monitoring and evaluation of policy outcomes.
    10. **Accountability Implementation and Governance**: Establishes a fully staffed National Disability Council with a dedicated secretariat to coordinate cross-sector policy rollout and enforce accountability for outcomes.

    In remarks following the tabling, Senator Phillip emphasized that the policy represents a clear, tangible demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to building a society that values every member, regardless of ability, and works actively to include all residents in national progress. For years, disability rights advocates in Saint Kitts and Nevis have pushed for a formal national strategy to address systemic exclusion, making this policy a long-awaited victory for inclusive governance in the small island nation.

  • St Kitts and Nevis to mark 55th Sugar Mas carnival with major celebrations – WIC News

    St Kitts and Nevis to mark 55th Sugar Mas carnival with major celebrations – WIC News

    The twin-island Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors and locals alike for the milestone 55th edition of its beloved annual Sugar Mas carnival, scheduled to run from December 11, 2026 through January 2, 2027. A celebration deeply rooted in the country’s blended African and European cultural heritage, Sugar Mas serves as both a cornerstone of national identity and a major engine for the nation’s tourism-driven economy.

    Organizers have planned three straight weeks of immersive cultural festivities designed to highlight the best of local creativity and tradition. The packed lineup includes energetic performances from Mas Bands, soulful soca music showcases, authentic folklore displays, lively street dance parties, and a special New Year’s Day celebration to cap off the annual gathering. This year’s official slogan, “The Ultimate Vibe! It’s Sugar Mas 55,” was selected through a public nationwide competition, created by local designer Kayla T Morton. Morton will take home EC $500 in prize money along with complimentary access to all official national carnival events as recognition for her winning work.

    In a statement shared by the St Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee, organizers noted the slogan perfectly encapsulates the core spirit of the decades-old festival, saying it “perfectly captures the essence of Sugar Mas, reflecting the vibrant celebration, joy, and energy that this event brings to carnival lovers at home and abroad.”

    Beyond its cultural significance, Sugar Mas has grown into one of the nation’s most important economic events, drawing tourists from every corner of the globe who travel to experience iconic carnival traditions including J’ouvet, the Grand Parade, Last Lap, and a full slate of live musical events. The 54th edition of the festival, held most recently, delivered a record-breaking economic impact for the federation, generating an estimated $29.5 million in total activity — the highest contribution ever recorded for any St Kitts and Nevis carnival. Culture Minister Samal Duggins attributed the historic result to rising participation across all events, increased visitor spending, and the expansion of more elaborate, large-scale programming.

    turnout for last year’s festival reflected its growing popularity: more than 10,000 people took part in the traditional J’ouvet celebrations, while over 5,000 attendees packed the route for the Grand Parade. Across 35 independently organized private events, roughly 160 local vendors were able to generate significant income to support their small businesses throughout the festival. That marked a major jump from the 53rd edition, which generated EC$21.7 million in total economic impact.

    For the upcoming 55th anniversary celebration, tourism officials are projecting record attendance across all flagship events, especially the iconic J’ouvet and Grand Parade. Local residents share that same excitement for the milestone festival, with one community member noting, “We’re going out big for Sugar Mas 55. Last year was the best we’ve had so far which is saying something — this year we out do ourselves.”

  • NIA Signs Geothermal Drilling Contract, Moves Closer to Energy Independence

    NIA Signs Geothermal Drilling Contract, Moves Closer to Energy Independence

    CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – May 1, 2026 – The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has crossed a major milestone in its years-long pursuit of energy self-sufficiency and renewable energy transition, with a finalized contract for geothermal production well drilling now in place, Premier Mark Brantley has announced.

    Brantly, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Energy, told reporters at his April 28 monthly press briefing that Iceland Drilling has been selected as the project contractor, with the formal contract signed between the firm and Nevis Electricity Company Limited (Nevlec), the island’s public utility provider. While the government plans to host a public ceremonial signing event to mark the occasion, Brantley confirmed all binding contractual terms have been finalized, and preparatory work is already underway ahead of drilling at the project’s Hamilton site.

    Several pre-drilling milestones remain to be completed before operations can kick off, including the acquisition of surrounding land parcels and logistics coordination. To streamline project delivery, the NIA is also establishing a dedicated full-time geothermal project unit – a shift from the current structure where Nevlec staff have split their time between regular utility duties and geothermal development, Brantley explained.

    In a move to retain critical institutional expertise, the administration has tapped former Nevlec General Manager Albert Gordon to serve exclusively on the geothermal initiative. Brantley praised Gordon’s foundational work in advancing the project to its current phase, noting his deep technical knowledge and consistent dedication have been invaluable to overcoming early barriers. Gordon’s continued involvement will be key to navigating the next stages of development, the premier added.

    Parallel to drilling operations, the NIA plans to launch a request for proposals for the subsequent phase of the project: construction of the geothermal power plant. Brantley noted that drilling represents the highest-risk segment of the initiative, a stage that previously presented major hurdles to securing funding. Once drilling is completed and the geothermal resource is confirmed, he explained, attracting private sector investment for plant construction will become far simpler.

    Under current project plans, the team will drill up to two production wells and one injection well to support a 30-megawatt geothermal power plant. Once operational, the facility will generate more than enough clean electricity to meet all of Nevis’ domestic energy demand, eliminating reliance on imported fossil fuels for power generation.

    The nearly $71.6 million project is supported by a mixed financing package of international development funding. Iceland Drilling has independently confirmed it has signed the final turnkey contract for drilling services, with work on site scheduled to commence by September 2026 and conclude in the second half of 2027.

    Brantly emphasized that the geothermal project carries transformative potential not only for Nevis but for the entire Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He framed the initiative as a core demonstration of the NIA’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable energy future and long-term energy independence, describing it as more than an infrastructure project – it is a lasting legacy for future generations of Nevisians.