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标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

圣基茨和尼维斯

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis highlights lasting impact of Nigerian professionals trained locally

    Saint Kitts and Nevis highlights lasting impact of Nigerian professionals trained locally

    In a significant reinforcement of international educational collaboration, the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially welcomed a new cohort of Nigerian professionals under the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) initiative. The ceremony, held on December 29, 2025, in Basseterre, marks the beginning of a two-year knowledge exchange program focusing on critical sectors of health and education.

    The arrival delegation was received at the highest levels of government, including Prime Minister and Health Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, and Senior Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas. This high-profile reception underscores the strategic importance both nations place on their bilateral relationship.

    Prime Minister Drew highlighted the historical significance of educational exchanges between the Caribbean nation and Nigeria, particularly in medical education. “The Windsor University School of Medicine in Saint Kitts and Nevis has trained numerous Nigerian doctors who now form the Kittitian Nigerian Doctors Association in Nigeria,” Dr. Drew revealed. “This represents a symbiotic relationship where hundreds of Nigerian medical professionals received training here before returning home to contribute to their nation’s healthcare system.”

    The current initiative represents a reversal of this educational flow, with experienced Nigerian professionals now bringing their expertise to Saint Kitts and Nevis. This reciprocal arrangement exemplifies a mature partnership model based on mutual knowledge transfer rather than unilateral assistance.

    Dr. Drew emphasized the human dimension behind this international cooperation, noting that classrooms in Saint Kitts have directly contributed to healthcare delivery in Nigeria, while Nigerian professionals now enhance Caribbean institutions through knowledge sharing. This cycle of learning and contribution has created enduring people-to-people connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

    The partnership stands as a testament to South-South cooperation, demonstrating how developing nations can create sustainable development frameworks through shared investment in human capital. As Saint Kitts and Nevis advances its national development agenda, such international collaborations remain central to strengthening institutional capacity and deepening cultural bonds across continents.

  • Senior Minister Douglas praises NTAC Deployment as a symbol of enduring friendship and cooperation

    Senior Minister Douglas praises NTAC Deployment as a symbol of enduring friendship and cooperation

    In a significant demonstration of international cooperation, Senior Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas has hailed the arrival of Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) volunteers as a powerful symbol of the enduring partnership between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria. The December 29th handing-over ceremony marked the formal introduction of seventeen professionals—twelve healthcare specialists and five educators—who will serve critical roles throughout the Federation.

    Dr. Douglas characterized the deployment as the culmination of purposeful diplomatic engagement, tracing its origins to high-level discussions between the two nations. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew led a delegation to Nigeria, followed by Dr. Douglas’s participation in the Caribbean-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa. These exchanges culminated in Dr. Douglas’s official visit to Nigeria, where he met with Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar to address specific human resource challenges in Saint Kitts and Nevis’s health and education sectors.

    The rapid response from Nigerian authorities saw volunteers identified and deployed within weeks, with NTAC Director General Yusuf Buba Yakub personally visiting the Federation to coordinate implementation details. This efficiency, Dr. Douglas noted, demonstrates the tangible benefits of face-to-face diplomacy and transparent dialogue between partner nations.

    The current initiative builds upon a historical foundation of Nigerian support, recalling similar medical deployments to the islands in the early 1990s that left lasting positive impacts. Dr. Douglas emphasized that this new cohort embodies the spirit of South-South cooperation, where developing nations leverage their respective strengths for mutual benefit.

    The minister highlighted the strategic timing of the deployment, noting that these professionals will address critical capacity gaps in essential services. Their expertise is expected to enhance healthcare accessibility for citizens and improve educational outcomes for students throughout the Federation. Beyond immediate sectoral strengthening, the collaboration represents meaningful progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and partnerships (SDG 17).

  • St. Kitts and Nevis Welcomes Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Professionals, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Cooperation Through Action – The St Kitts Nevis Observer

    St. Kitts and Nevis Welcomes Nigerian Technical Aid Corps Professionals, Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Cooperation Through Action – The St Kitts Nevis Observer

    In a significant stride toward strengthening transatlantic cooperation, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has officially welcomed a new delegation of professionals from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC). The December 29th ceremony in Basseterre marked the beginning of a two-year collaborative initiative focused on enhancing healthcare and educational services through specialized expertise exchange.

    Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who also serves as Minister of Health, characterized the partnership as a concrete manifestation of Africa-Caribbean solidarity that transcends symbolic gestures. “Words are cheap. Action speaks louder than words,” stated Dr. Drew, emphasizing the program’s focus on delivering measurable outcomes for citizens.

    The arrival of Nigerian professionals represents a continuation of successful bilateral engagement between the regions. Previous NTAC initiatives have left a lasting legacy, particularly in healthcare, where Nigerian specialists substantially elevated medical standards and earned widespread recognition throughout the Federation.

    This cooperation is rooted in historical and cultural connections that bind Africa and the Caribbean through shared ancestry, liberation struggles, and resilience. The current initiative aligns with St. Kitts and Nevis’s foreign policy priorities that emphasize substantive partnerships with African nations and other developing regions based on mutual benefit and common heritage.

    Prime Minister Drew expressed confidence that the collaboration would significantly enhance local institutional capabilities while serving as an international model for South-South cooperation. “May your time among us be one of success and impact,” he addressed the incoming professionals, “and may it demonstrate on the world stage that Africa and the Caribbean can work together to build our own future.”

    The Nigerian experts will be integrated into key national institutions, bringing advanced technical knowledge, leadership experience, and specialized skills to address development challenges through unified purpose and shared expertise.

  • Why 2025 was the best year in history for the ultra-wealthy

    Why 2025 was the best year in history for the ultra-wealthy

    The year 2025 has marked an extraordinary pinnacle in global wealth accumulation, with billionaires experiencing unprecedented financial growth driven by technological innovation and strategic market movements. According to Forbes, this historic surge has been propelled by skyrocketing AI valuations, landmark public offerings, and the continued dominance of tech magnates like Elon Musk.

    A remarkable trend emerged in youth entrepreneurship as prediction markets platform Polymarket achieved a $9 billion valuation, temporarily granting 27-year-old founder Shane Kaplan the title of world’s youngest self-made billionaire. This record was swiftly surpassed weeks later when AI enterprise Mercor secured funding at a $10 billion valuation, elevating its three 22-year-old co-founders to become the youngest billionaires in history, overtaking Mark Zuckerberg’s previous milestone.

    The competition extended to female billionaires as Taylor Swift’s reign as youngest self-made female billionaire since 2023 ended when 30-year-old Scale AI co-founder Lucy Guo claimed the title in April. Shortly thereafter, 29-year-old former Brazilian ballerina Luana Lopes Lara achieved billionaire status following her startup Kalshi’s $11 billion valuation.

    Throughout 2025, wealth creation occurred at an astonishing pace of approximately one new billionaire daily, totaling over 340 newcomers from diverse regions including the United States, China, India, Russia, and unexpectedly from smaller nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis and Albania. The global billionaire count now stands at 3,148 individuals—a 50% increase from five years prior—with collective wealth reaching $18.7 trillion, representing a $10 trillion growth since 2020. The average billionaire net worth climbed to $5.9 billion.

    This concentration of wealth has translated into significant political influence. In the United States, 135 billionaires contributed substantially to the 2024 presidential election, funded inauguration ceremonies, and participated in White House renovation projects. Several have assumed governmental roles, constituting the wealthiest administration in American history. Notable appointments include Jared Isaacman leading NASA and Czech agricultural entrepreneur Andrej Babiš becoming prime minister, signaling a new era of billionaire governance.

    Elon Musk demonstrated the most dramatic wealth expansion, commencing the year with $421 billion and successively breaking the $500, $600, and $700 billion barriers by December. His fortune grew by $333 billion through Tesla and SpaceX valuations—exceeding the total net worth of Larry Page, the world’s second-richest person. Similarly, Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison achieved the largest single-day wealth gain in recorded history on September 10 when Oracle shares surged 36%, adding nearly $100 billion to his net worth within 24 hours.

    The artificial intelligence sector proved particularly fertile for billionaire creation. Founders of large language model companies, including DeepSeek, Anthropic, and CoreWeave, joined the billionaire ranks alongside entrepreneurs providing AI infrastructure such as data centers, GPUs, cloud services, and specialized tools. Wealth generation extended beyond AI to cryptocurrency firm Circle, design platform Figma, ballistic protection manufacturers, satellite technology companies, and AI-driven gaming enterprises.

    Total new billionaire wealth reached $876 billion within twelve months, with approximately 40% originating from American entrepreneurs. However, this wealth wave spanned 32 countries, including Albania where Samir Mane became the nation’s first billionaire. Two-thirds of new billionaires are self-made, featuring eleven under age 30—a global record—while the remainder inherited fortunes, including heirs to Jim Irsay, Giorgio Armani, and the Medline family.

    Most notably, billionaire wealth has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Eighty-five percent of billionaires maintained their status from the year’s beginning, with four-fifths entering 2026 with net worth equal to or exceeding their 2025 valuations, confirming that the era of extreme wealth concentration is not merely continuing but accelerating.

  • Steel pan in good position as EBJ Harmonics remain national champions

    Steel pan in good position as EBJ Harmonics remain national champions

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The EBJ Harmonics steel orchestra has cemented its dominance in the national music scene by securing an unprecedented sixth consecutive championship title during Sunday night’s Panorama competition. The group amassed 424 points to claim the $30,000 top prize in what officials are calling the best-attended event of the current carnival season.

    The competition, held on December 28 at Warner Park, featured four bands composed primarily of young performers, including numerous teenagers, signaling a promising future for the traditional artform. Nevis Development Steel Orchestra placed second with 381 points, earning $20,000 in prize money.

    Minister of the Creative Economy Samal Duggins expressed overwhelming optimism about steel pan’s vitality in the Federation, noting that ticket sales had to be halted due to unprecedented public interest. “When you look at tonight, they had to stop selling tickets. That tells you something,” Duggins told SKNVibes. “The makeup of these teams—teenagers, young people, and even more mature players—tells you there is longevity.”

    Anthonio Liburd, Chair of the Steel Pan Subcommittee, praised all competing bands for bringing their “A-game” to the performance. The event drew large crowds, including a significant contingent from Nevis, with organizers implementing emergency ticket measures to accommodate the overwhelming demand.

    Minister Duggins dismissed suggestions that steel pan is declining in popularity, noting that while fewer bands competed this year due to the absence of additional Nevis teams, participation within bands has actually increased. The minister characterized the massive turnout as a victory in itself, stating: “Another year, steel pan has delivered the highest attendance at Warner Park, and for me, that is a win.”

    The carnival season continues with the Miss Haynes Smith Pageant scheduled for the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.

  • EC confirms Federation gained more than 56,000 economic citizens in a decade

    EC confirms Federation gained more than 56,000 economic citizens in a decade

    WASHINGTON, DC — Recent data reveals that St. Kitts and Nevis has processed 56,015 Citizenship by Investment (CBI) passports over the past decade, making it the Caribbean’s most sought-after economic citizenship program despite growing international concerns. The European Commission’s latest report indicates that 48,844 passports were issued between 2015 and 2023, with an additional 6,437 in 2024, though approvals have dramatically slowed to just 734 through April this year.

    The transparency of CBI programs has historically been limited, but regional reforms have significantly impacted application volumes. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew acknowledged this decline during his Budget address, noting that while the Federation received 19,655 applications between 2015-2023, only 223 were recorded in 2024, with 171 additional applications through April.

    Rejection rates remain comparatively low—739 applications between 2015-2023, 98 in 2024, and 86 through April—but the program faces intense international scrutiny. The European Union and United States have pushed for reforms including enhanced due diligence, mandatory applicant interviews, and cooperation on application denials.

    Concerns center on security risks posed by successful applicants from visa-restricted countries. The Commission reported that in 2024, successful applicants included 531 Syrians, 365 Iraqis, and 333 Chinese nationals. St. Kitts and Nevis specifically approved citizens from Russia, Belarus, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Afghanistan.

    The EU has warned that these programs “inherently carry security risks for the Schengen area” and could lead to withdrawal of visa-free access. The Commission emphasized that obtaining visa-free EU access remains a primary benefit for investors who would otherwise require visas, creating ongoing migration control challenges.

  • END OF YEAR MESSAGE: Outgoing Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

    END OF YEAR MESSAGE: Outgoing Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica

    In his concluding address as outgoing Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness delivered a comprehensive assessment of the regional body’s accomplishments and challenges throughout 2025. Speaking from the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana on December 27, Holness emphasized the remarkable solidarity demonstrated during Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact, which showcased the Caribbean family’s unwavering support system.

    The political leader highlighted landmark achievements in regional integration, particularly the historic decision by Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to implement full free movement of citizens among themselves effective October 2025. This ‘concentric circles’ approach represents a pragmatic evolution of integration models, allowing progressive cooperation while maintaining accessibility for other member states.

    Holness detailed CARICOM’s successful economic advocacy through coordinated efforts with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization and strategic international partners. These collaborations yielded expanded air connectivity, enhanced trade mechanisms, and strengthened food security initiatives across the region.

    On the global stage, CARICOM maintained a unified diplomatic presence through high-level engagements at the UN General Assembly, G20 Summit, and CELAC-EU Summit. The outgoing Chair acknowledged progress at COP30 in Belém but emphasized that climate outcomes remained inadequate for vulnerable Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States. He commended regional agencies including the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre and CDEMA for their critical work in climate resilience.

    The address noted deepened Africa-CARICOM relations through the Second Africa-CARICOM Summit, establishing an ‘Atlantic Bridge’ for development cooperation. Holness also highlighted CARICOM’s sustained advocacy for Haiti, resulting in UN Security Council action against gang violence and optimistic preparations for 2026 elections.

    Emphasizing CARICOM’s commitment to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, Holness articulated principles of sovereignty, international law, and peaceful dispute resolution while acknowledging member states’ occasional differing perspectives as natural within a community of sovereign nations.

    As geopolitical tensions intensify globally, Holness called for strategic discipline and cohesion, affirming that CARICOM’s credibility rests on managing differences through diplomacy rather than division. The outgoing Chair expressed confidence in the community’s future as he prepares to hand leadership to St. Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia, concluding with wishes for a peaceful and prosperous 2026.

  • Machete, ski masks, scissors among weapons seized during safe exercise during J’ouvert morning

    Machete, ski masks, scissors among weapons seized during safe exercise during J’ouvert morning

    Law enforcement authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis reported significant weapon confiscations and multiple arrests during the Boxing Day J’ouvert celebrations, marking a concerning trend of violence during traditional Carnival festivities. The joint security operation, conducted on December 26, 2025, involved coordinated efforts between the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) and soldiers from the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF).

    According to official reports released on December 27, security personnel established vehicle checkpoints and conducted comprehensive search operations across Nevis Island. Strategic inspections were implemented at critical transit points including the Charlestown Pier, Sea Bridge crossing, and NASPA Oualie Water Taxi Facility. These measures resulted in the seizure of numerous dangerous items, including 41 pairs of scissors, two knives, three improvised weapons, 57 lighters, four ski masks, and an undisclosed quantity of cannabis.

    The police operation led to four arrests: one individual for wounding charges, two for disorderly conduct through fighting, and one for operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license. Medical attention was required for one person connected to the wounding incident, though their condition was not specified in the official statement.

    While acknowledging the generally cooperative behavior demonstrated by most festival participants, law enforcement officials expressed serious concern about the minority who attended Carnival events armed with potentially dangerous implements. Police representatives emphasized that such actions not only endanger public safety but also contradict the fundamental principles of cultural celebration and community unity that Carnival represents.

    The RSCNPF issued a stern warning to individuals considering bringing weapons to public celebrations, reminding citizens that Carnival should serve as an opportunity for stress relief rather than creating distress. Authorities reiterated their unwavering zero-tolerance policy toward violence, weapon possession, and criminal behavior during Carnival events and throughout the year, promising firm legal action against those who threaten public safety.

  • Breaking: Nu Vybes ends 20-year drought to capture Road March title

    Breaking: Nu Vybes ends 20-year drought to capture Road March title

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — In a spectacular culmination of Carnival celebrations, Nu Vybes International Band has ended a two-decade championship drought by capturing the coveted 2025/2026 Road March title. The victory came after one of the most nail-biting competitions in recent memory, ultimately decided through an unprecedented tie-breaking procedure.

    The decisive moment unfolded during an electrifying Jouvert morning that attracted massive crowds of revelers flooding the streets in support of competing bands. In a remarkable twist, the initial judging concluded in a perfect tie between Nu Vybes and Kollision Band, both achieving identical scores of 259.85 points.

    The deadlock triggered the official tie-breaking protocol, beginning with an assessment of aggregate scores. When auditors confirmed both bands had achieved mathematically identical totals, the competition advanced to a second tie-breaker requiring judges to vote individually for the band delivering the superior overall performance. This final deliberation resulted in Nu Vybes being crowned champion.

    National Carnival Committee Chair Shannon Hawley clarified the unprecedented situation, emphasizing that the tie-breaking criteria had been established through collaborative input from participating bands rather than unilateral NCC decision-making. ‘The road march policy and criteria were developed through collective band consensus,’ Hawley stated during the announcement.

    Kollision Band secured first runner-up position with their entry ‘TMI,’ while Grand Masters claimed second runner-up honors with ‘Rock Steady,’ achieving 256.85 points.

    In parallel troupe competitions, Grand Masters Addix dominated with their presentation ‘Bounce Around,’ earning 145 points. They were followed by Kollision Band’s ‘Life in Color’ (139 points) and Xtreme Nation’s ‘Ink and Dutty’ (135 points). The Large Troupe category saw Excess Jouvert triumph with 150 points for their ‘Road Work’ theme, which featured one of the day’s largest participant turnouts.

    The enormous crowds created significant congestion along Fort Street, prompting officials to consider relocating future Jouvert celebrations to accommodate growing participation. Carnival festivities continue throughout the season.

  • PM Drew announces major training and capacity-building push for SKNDF in 2026

    PM Drew announces major training and capacity-building push for SKNDF in 2026

    The St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) is poised for a comprehensive transformation in 2026 following Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s announcement of an ambitious training and capacity-building initiative. Speaking at the Annual SKNDF Christmas Luncheon on December 23, 2025, the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security revealed strategic plans to enhance the military organization’s capabilities through both regional cooperation and infrastructure investment.

    The modernization effort follows a thorough assessment conducted by the Regional Security System (RSS), which identified significant potential within the SKNDF while noting specific gaps in specialized operational areas. “Modern security challenges demand professionalism, technical competence, and strong leadership at every level,” Dr. Drew emphasized. “A well-disciplined Force must also be a well-trained Force.”

    A cornerstone of this initiative involves strengthened military diplomacy with Guyana. Prime Minister Drew has engaged directly with both Guyanese leadership and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to deepen longstanding ties through a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement will facilitate advanced training programs, leadership development, and operational cooperation aligned with regional and international best practices.

    Concurrent with training enhancements, the government is investing substantially in defense infrastructure, including building renovations, vehicle fleet upgrades, and expanded medical capabilities. The Prime Minister personally recognized exceptional personnel during the event, commissioning Second Lieutenant Lakeem Crosse and honoring Private Dion Burke as Soldier of the Year and Shaquille Fredericks as Sailor of the Year.

    Dr. Drew concluded with a powerful affirmation to defense personnel: “Your service matters. Discipline matters, your readiness matters. The nation sees your value and values you, and is committed to supporting you, as you carry out your solemn duty as soldiers and defenders of your homeland.”