Carib Scope

标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

圣基茨和尼维斯

  • Prime Minister Drew salutes the new recruits of the St. Kitts–Nevis Defence Force and urges them to serve with distinction

    Prime Minister Drew salutes the new recruits of the St. Kitts–Nevis Defence Force and urges them to serve with distinction

    In a landmark event for the Federation’s military establishment, Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew presided over the Passing Out Ceremony for recruits of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Basic Military Training Course 1 of 2025. The historic gathering at Elquemedo Willett Park on Nevis on March 12, 2026, marked the first time both training completion and ceremonial proceedings were conducted on the island, signaling a new chapter in the nation’s defense infrastructure.

    Addressing the newly commissioned soldiers, Prime Minister Drew reflected on their transformative journey from civilian life to military service. “Months ago, you were civilians, each bringing your own hopes, ambitions, and expectations,” he stated, acknowledging the rigorous challenges overcome during their training. The Prime Minister emphasized how recruits had endured demanding physical, mental, and emotional trials while mastering essential values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

    Dr. Drew articulated the Defence Force’s critical position within the national security framework, describing it as “one of the most critical pillars of our national security architecture” that embodies “discipline, readiness, and unwavering loyalty.” He called upon the new soldiers to embrace the nation’s motto of “Country Above Self,” recognizing their commitment to protecting and defending the Federation.

    The ceremony featured distinguished attendees including Her Excellency Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd, who conducted the parade inspection, alongside Deputy Governor-General for Nevis Hyleta Liburd, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Nevis Premier Mark Brantley, and members of the Nevis Island Administration. Family members and friends joined in celebrating the graduates’ achievements.

    This milestone event not only celebrated individual accomplishments but reinforced the Defence Force’s enduring dedication to maintaining peace, security, and stability throughout the Federation.

  • Liberty Caribbean celebrates newly SCTE-certified technicians

    Liberty Caribbean celebrates newly SCTE-certified technicians

    MIAMI, FL – March 13, 2026 – Liberty Caribbean, operating under the Flow, Liberty Business, and BTC brands, has achieved a significant milestone with three technicians earning prestigious certifications from the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE). This accomplishment represents the first concrete success of the company’s Technician Pathways initiative launched in 2025.

    The newly certified professionals include Amraz Hosein from Trinidad & Tobago and Lamar Uffer from Jamaica, both achieving Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) certifications, and Antwon Walter from the Cayman Islands, who earned the Broadband Wireless Specialist (BWS) credential.

    Dominic Boon, Vice President of People at Liberty Caribbean, emphasized the program’s significance: ‘Technicians form the backbone of our operations—they scale poles, restore services after severe weather events, and maintain critical connectivity for our communities. Their success establishes a new benchmark for technical excellence and professional pride across our organization.’

    The Technician Pathways program represents a substantial organizational investment in regional workforce development, combining structured training, mentorship, and examination preparation with practical on-the-job coaching. The initiative aims to professionalize field roles, elevate service standards, and create clear career progression opportunities for technical staff.

    To date, 583 technicians have enrolled in the program and are actively pursuing SCTE credentials. Beyond immediate service improvements, certified technicians will be positioned for advanced roles, mentoring responsibilities, and participation in cross-market technical projects, creating sustainable career advancement opportunities within the telecommunications sector.

    The achievement underscores Liberty Caribbean’s commitment to aligning Caribbean technical standards with global benchmarks while reinforcing a culture of continuous skills development that benefits employees, customers, and the broader regional community.

  • Team Nevis Gears Up to Host and Compete in 54th Leeward Islands Debating Competition

    Team Nevis Gears Up to Host and Compete in 54th Leeward Islands Debating Competition

    Charlestown, Nevis – The island of Nevis is poised to become the epicenter of intellectual discourse as it prepares to both host and compete in the 54th Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC) from March 12-15, 2026. This prestigious regional event will bring together the most articulate young minds from across the Caribbean archipelago for four days of rigorous intellectual exchange.

    The Nevis Literary and Debating Society has selected six exceptional delegates from Nevis Sixth Form College to represent the island: Kiara Barry, Rajaun Fyfield, Keyana Warner, Shirmia Thompson, Kijari Huggins, and Tahleya Phillip. These students will face formidable opponents from St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Maarten, Montserrat, and Anguilla in a battle of wits and rhetoric.

    The competition will unfold at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC) following an opening press conference at Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park on March 12. The debates will address pressing regional concerns, with the inaugural session featuring St. Kitts versus Montserrat examining whether US deportation policies significantly contribute to Caribbean crime rates.

    Subsequent debates will tackle equally substantive matters: St. Maarten and Anguilla will explore ministerial interference in public sector governance on March 13, while semi-final rounds on March 14 will address tourism’s impact on sustainable development and the prioritization of regional integration over global alliances. The championship finale on March 15 will feature a critical discussion on government-provided free tertiary education through undergraduate level.

    Nevis enters the competition with recent championship experience, having claimed the LIDC title in 2024 when the event was hosted in St. Kitts. The Nevis Literary and Debating Society is rallying community support for all participating teams during this celebration of youth intellectual achievement.

  • St. Kitts and Nevis Club Lebanon Delivers Hot Meals to Displaced Families in Beirut

    St. Kitts and Nevis Club Lebanon Delivers Hot Meals to Displaced Families in Beirut

    BEIRUT, LEBANON – In a significant humanitarian demonstration, the St. Kitts and Nevis Club Lebanon (SKN Club Lebanon) has launched a sustained relief operation providing daily hot meals to displaced families grappling with Beirut’s ongoing crisis. The initiative, active since early March 2026, delivers freshly prepared nutrition to vulnerable communities residing in multiple districts across the capital.

    Operating through a collaborative network of club members, local volunteers, and humanitarian organizations, the program ensures efficient distribution to those most severely affected by Lebanon’s multifaceted challenges. This ongoing effort represents a structured response to the growing humanitarian needs within displacement communities.

    Mr. Ibrahim Serhan, President of SKN Club Lebanon, articulated the philosophical foundation driving the initiative. “Our actions embody a profound humanitarian commitment to displaced families and their children,” Serhan stated. “These efforts are grounded in the core principles of compassion, dignity, and solidarity—values intrinsically aligned with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

    Serhan further emphasized that the initiative reflects the national character of Saint Kitts and Nevis, noting the nation’s international recognition for promoting compassion, global solidarity, and respect for human dignity. The president additionally expressed aspirations for peaceful conflict resolution in Lebanon and the broader region, highlighting hopes for outcomes that serve Lebanese interests and foster regional stability and prosperity.

    Beneficiary families have reportedly expressed profound appreciation for the nutritional support, describing the meals as both practical assistance and meaningful psychological comfort during periods of extreme uncertainty. The SKN Club Lebanon’s program continues to stand as a testament to transnational community engagement and humanitarian partnership, providing tangible aid while fostering resilience amid adversity.

  • CARPHA raises alarm as Kidney Disease rates in Caribbean Outpace Global Average

    CARPHA raises alarm as Kidney Disease rates in Caribbean Outpace Global Average

    The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has issued an urgent warning regarding the escalating chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemic across the region, revealing that prevalence rates significantly surpass global averages. This alert coincides with World Kidney Day observations on March 12, 2026.

    According to recently released data, the Latin America and Caribbean region recorded a CKD prevalence of 15.4% among adults in 2023, substantially exceeding the global average of 14.2%. Health authorities attribute this disproportionate burden largely to preventable lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions.

    CARPHA emphasized that many kidney-related fatalities could be averted through enhanced early detection protocols and improved management of primary risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The agency specifically highlighted diabetes prevention and control as fundamental strategies for reducing kidney disease incidence and improving long-term health outcomes.

    The crisis disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities, exacerbating existing health disparities throughout the Caribbean. In response, CARPHA advocates for expanded community-based screening programs, particularly targeting high-risk populations and underserved areas. Early CKD detection can preserve renal function, diminish dependency on costly dialysis treatments, and significantly improve patient prognosis.

    Globally, CKD affects over 850 million adults aged 20 and above. CARPHA recommends practical preventive measures including regular physical activity, nutritional dietary choices, blood pressure and glucose monitoring, adequate hydration, tobacco avoidance, and limited use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

    Notably, the agency highlighted the emerging connection between environmental factors and kidney health. Climate-related stressors—including air pollution, extreme heat, dehydration, and severe weather events—can precipitate acute kidney injury and accelerate disease progression. Simultaneously, advanced treatments like dialysis consume substantial resources and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, creating a concerning feedback loop between climate change and kidney disease progression.

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis launches “Building A Safe Space At Home” animation and dialogue to strengthen youth mental health

    Saint Kitts and Nevis launches “Building A Safe Space At Home” animation and dialogue to strengthen youth mental health

    In a significant move to address youth mental wellness, Saint Kitts and Nevis unveiled the “Building A Safe Space At Home” animation and dialogue initiative on March 12, 2026. The landmark event at CUNA Conference Centre brought together government officials, educators, healthcare professionals, and civil society representatives under the Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project.

    The collaborative effort, developed in partnership with Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), the Ministry of Health, and LAKE Health and Wellbeing, focuses on fortifying familial environments as foundational support systems for young people. The initiative recognizes that mental well-being begins at home, where children first develop emotional resilience and communication skills.

    His Excellency Edward Tao, Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), emphasized the global paradigm shift in mental health perception, noting that governments worldwide now recognize psychiatric care as a collective responsibility extending beyond clinical settings into families and communities.

    Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley articulated the program’s educational significance, stating, “A child’s first safe space is the home. Before classroom engagement or social interaction, families teach trust, emotional regulation, and resilience.” He highlighted the direct correlation between domestic support systems and academic performance.

    Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew positioned the initiative within the government’s broader public health strategy for crime reduction, revealing that expert data identifies mental health challenges as the primary root cause of violence in the Federation. “This program delivers precisely what our security experts recommend—addressing youth mental health is essential to combating crime,” Dr. Drew asserted.

    The animation launch represents a proactive approach to equipping families with practical tools for nurturing emotionally healthy youth, marking a critical advancement in the nation’s mental health infrastructure.

  • West Indies Women Name Unchanged Squad for Blockbuster T20 Clash Against Australia

    West Indies Women Name Unchanged Squad for Blockbuster T20 Clash Against Australia

    Cricket West Indies has confirmed an unchanged women’s squad selection for their upcoming T20 International series against Australia’s top-ranked team, scheduled for March 19-23 at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

    The Caribbean side, fresh from their recent home tour against Sri Lanka, will field the same roster that demonstrated resilience in their previous encounter. Despite losing the ODI series 2-1 to Sri Lanka, the team showcased their potential with a spectacular century from captain Hayley Matthews that secured a decisive six-wicket victory in the final match.

    This series represents a critical preparatory phase for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Kingdom later this year. The West Indies lineup blends seasoned veterans with promising young talent, featuring established stars Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin alongside emerging prospects Eboni Brathwaite (17) and Jahzara Claxton (19). Wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle approaches a significant milestone, poised to earn her 150th T20 International cap during the competition.

    Head Coach Shane Deitz emphasized the strategic importance of facing the world’s best team before the global tournament. “We’re genuinely excited about testing ourselves against the number one ranked team,” Deitz stated. “This series provides the perfect benchmark to evaluate our progress since our last meeting in October 2023 and identify areas needing improvement before the World Cup in June.”

    The teams will subsequently travel to Warner Park in St. Kitts and Nevis for a three-match ODI series following the T20 encounters. Cricket enthusiasts across the region can attend all matches free of charge or stream the action via ESPN’s Disney+ service, ensuring widespread accessibility to what promises to be an electrifying display of women’s cricket.

  • Debaters to Enjoy Full Slate of Cultural and Social Activities as LIDC 54 Gets Underway in Nevis

    Debaters to Enjoy Full Slate of Cultural and Social Activities as LIDC 54 Gets Underway in Nevis

    The Caribbean island of Nevis has officially commenced the 54th Leeward Islands Debating Competition (LIDC 54), welcoming intellectual delegations from across the region for a four-day convergence of rhetoric and cultural exchange. From March 12-15, 2026, the Nevis Island Administration, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Nevis Literary and Debating Society, has orchestrated an immersive program blending competitive discourse with rich cultural experiences.

    Six participating territories include defending champions Antigua, alongside Anguilla, Montserrat, Sint Maarten, St. Kitts, and host nation Nevis. The event commenced with an official welcome reception hosted by Honourable Eric Evelyn at Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, setting the tone for diplomatic engagement.

    Mrs. Kerilyn David, Deputy Principal of Nevis Sixth Form College, unveiled an extensive itinerary designed to complement the intellectual rigors of debate with cultural enrichment. Beyond the competitive sessions, delegates will experience Charlestown shopping excursions, karaoke socials, historical island tours, glow parties, beach picnics (‘beach-nic’), and dedicated cultural showcases where each team presents their island’s heritage.

    The competitive schedule features Montserrat versus St. Kitts in Thursday’s inaugural debate, followed by Anguilla challenging Sint Maarten on Friday. Saturday’s semifinals will pit Debate One’s winner against Antigua, while Debate Two’s victor faces Nevis. The championship final culminates on Sunday at 5:00 PM, followed by an elegant Masquerade Ball at Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

    Nevis, boasting eleven historical LIDC victories including 2024’s triumph, fields a six-member team from Nevis Sixth Form College: Kiara Barry, Rajaun Fyfield, Keyana Warner, Shirmia Thompson, Kijari Huggins, and Tahleya Phillip. All events at Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC) remain free to the public, encouraging community engagement with this celebration of youth oratory and regional camaraderie.

  • Taiwan ICDF and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis signed the Green Energy Transition Demonstration Project

    Taiwan ICDF and the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis signed the Green Energy Transition Demonstration Project

    In a significant move to advance sustainable energy infrastructure, the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) has formalized a partnership with the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis through the signing of the Green Energy Transition Demonstration Project. The agreement, executed on March 9th, 2026, marks a strategic collaboration between the two island nations to address shared energy challenges.

    The signing ceremony featured high-level representation from both parties, with Hon. Minister Konris Maynard signing on behalf of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Deputy Secretary General Alex L. J. Shyy representing TaiwanICDF. This initiative builds upon existing developmental work conducted by TaiwanICDF in the Caribbean nation.

    The comprehensive project encompasses multiple critical components designed to strengthen national energy resilience. Technical assistance will include detailed power grid capacity analysis, specialized advisory services for energy policy development, and the establishment of a sophisticated smart microgrid demonstration system. These measures aim to significantly enhance renewable energy integration capabilities while fortifying the overall stability of the energy infrastructure.

    Both Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis, as island nations, confront similar vulnerabilities regarding energy security and climate change impacts. This partnership facilitates the transfer of Taiwan’s advanced expertise in information and communication technologies (ICT) and renewable energy systems to support sustainable development objectives. The collaboration represents a practical model for South-South cooperation in green technology transfer and climate adaptation strategies, potentially serving as a blueprint for other small island developing states seeking energy transformation.

  • St. Lucia rejects claims visa requirement linked to Citizenship by Investment Programme

    St. Lucia rejects claims visa requirement linked to Citizenship by Investment Programme

    CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The St. Lucian government has formally rejected any connection between the United Kingdom’s newly imposed visa requirements and its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). Deputy Prime Minister Ernest Hilaire addressed the National Assembly on March 10, 2026, expressing disappointment while acknowledging the UK’s sovereign right to determine its immigration policies.

    The UK’s termination of visa-free travel for St. Lucian nationals marks a significant shift in bilateral relations between the historical partners. Hilaire characterized the development as particularly unfortunate given the longstanding constitutional and institutional ties between the two nations.

    Regarding UK concerns over asylum claims, official data reveals 342 applications from St. Lucian citizens since 2022, representing approximately 0.3% of total UK asylum seekers during this period. Minister Hilaire emphasized the critical distinction that UK authorities failed to make between natural-born citizens and those potentially obtaining citizenship through investment channels.

    The government has repeatedly requested detailed evidence from UK officials regarding alleged passport misuse but has received insufficient data to conduct proper investigations. ‘We have consistently asked for relevant information on any CIP concerns,’ Hilaire stated. ‘If there are investment citizens using St. Lucian passports for asylum claims or illegal employment, share this data with us.’

    Despite these challenges, St. Lucia remains committed to maintaining rigorous security protocols within its CIP framework. The program continues to serve as a vital development mechanism, funding infrastructure projects, healthcare services, educational initiatives, climate resilience programs, and job creation efforts.

    Hilaire cautioned that undermining the CIP could substantially hinder national development objectives and economic opportunities. The minister additionally criticized opposition party members for allegedly politicizing the visa situation and disseminating misinformation that could tarnish St. Lucia’s international standing.

    The government plans to continue diplomatic engagement with international partners on security and immigration matters while further strengthening the Citizenship by Investment Programme’s integrity measures.