标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is leading Trinidad and Tobago’s delegation to the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom in St Kitts and Nevis from February 24-27. The high-level gathering, chaired by St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, convenes under the theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable Caricom.”

The Trinidadian delegation includes Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Nicholas Morris, and Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine. Beyond formal proceedings, the delegation plans bilateral engagements with United States representatives and security agencies to strengthen cooperation on economic development, security, trade, and regional challenges.

This diplomatic mission occurs against a backdrop of regional tensions regarding US military operations in Caribbean waters. Since September 2, US anti-narcotics operations have resulted in 148 fatalities and the destruction of 44 vessels, including two Trinidadian nationals—Chad Joseph and Rishi Samaroo—killed in an October 14 strike off Venezuela.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has consistently supported these operations, stating she has “no sympathy for traffickers” and that US forces should “violently kill them all.” This position has placed her at odds with Caricom’s collective stance that the region should remain a “zone of peace.” In October, she described Caricom as an “unreliable” partner following disagreements over US military actions.

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a case on behalf of the deceased Trinidadians, alleging the strikes constitute “premeditated and intentional killings” violating domestic and international law. Despite these controversies, Persad-Bissessar has maintained Trinidad and Tobago’s bilateral security partnership with the US, including high-level meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and General Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is poised to host one of its most significant diplomatic gatherings in history as world leaders and international dignitaries assemble for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government from February 24-27, 2026.

The landmark summit, convened under the theme ‘Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM,’ has attracted unprecedented international attention with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the distinguished roster of global participants. Secretary Rubio is scheduled to deliver a keynote address during Wednesday’s Opening Plenary Session, highlighting the strategic importance Washington places on Caribbean partnerships.

The high-level assembly will feature addresses from an impressive array of international figures including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir, Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey, United Arab Emirates Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, and African Export-Import Bank President Dr. George Elombi. Their collective presence demonstrates growing global recognition of CARICOM’s geopolitical significance.

Host nation Saint Kitts and Nevis, currently holding the rotating CARICOM chairmanship under Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew, will guide deliberations on pressing regional concerns including climate finance architecture, food and energy security frameworks, and evolving regional security challenges. The gathering of over 200 delegates represents one of the most substantial diplomatic convergences in the Caribbean Community’s five-decade history.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the transformative potential of this golden jubilee meeting, stating: ‘The world’s eyes will be on Saint Kitts and Nevis as we host this landmark gathering. Our theme challenges us to move from deliberation to decisive action. The caliber of international participation reflects a shared commitment to building a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Caribbean.’

The summit marks a pivotal moment for regional integration efforts and represents a significant diplomatic achievement for the Drew administration, which assumed the CARICOM leadership role on January 1, 2026.

BASSETERRE, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS – February 23, 2026 – The Caribbean Community embarks on a monumental chapter as Saint Kitts and Nevis prepares to host the fiftieth regular meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government. The grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at 4:00 PM local time at the prestigious Marriott Dome in Frigate Bay.

This landmark assembly, commemorating five decades of regional integration, will convene under the compelling theme “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM.” The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis assumes a position of leadership as the current CARICOM Chair, with Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew steering the community’s agenda through the first half of 2026.

The ceremony will feature addresses from an esteemed roster of Caribbean leaders, including CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, outgoing Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Surinamese President Dr. Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, and Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday.

The event promises to be a vibrant showcase of Caribbean cultural heritage through performances, setting the stage for three days of high-level diplomatic discussions. Attendees will include heads of government from member and associate states, international dignitaries, and representatives from regional institutions.

Prime Minister Drew emphasized the historical significance of the gathering, stating: “This ceremony transcends formal proceedings—it embodies Caribbean unity and reaffirms our shared dedication to tangible progress. Our theme ‘Beyond Words’ communicates to our citizens and the global community that CARICOM is transitioning into an era defined by implementation, resilience, and sustainable prosperity.”

The Ministry of Sustainable Development has issued a formal rebuttal against what it characterizes as malicious disinformation spread by Regiwell ‘Reggie’ Francis, Managing Director of St. Kitts Marine Works Ltd. The controversy centers on the company’s unauthorized occupation of Crown lands at the New Guinea Industrial & Commercial Development zone.

According to the Ministry’s statement released February 23, 2026, despite a cordial meeting between government officials and Francis on February 19 aimed at resolving longstanding land regularization issues, the businessman subsequently disseminated distorted information regarding the factual and legal circumstances.

The Ministry revealed that St. Kitts Marine Works Ltd has occupied approximately 26.68 acres of Crown land for nearly two decades without paying rent, additionally constructing seawall and berthing facilities on adjacent seabed without proper leases or compensation to the state. The company initially entered a land purchase agreement in January 2021 for the concessionary price of EC$6,013,893.60, but failed to fulfill the terms, paying only a partial deposit of EC$50,000.

The government’s calculations indicate the company now owes EC$13,284,092.75 as of February 2026 under the terms of the failed agreement. Furthermore, the Ministry alleges the business has encroached on sixteen adjacent commercial lots allocated to other landowners who have complied with their obligations.

In what the Ministry describes as a reasonable regularization framework, the government has proposed a 10-year renewable lease for the occupied land at negotiated rates, a separate seabed lease at EC$4,000 monthly, and application of the previous deposit toward rental payments. The proposal requires the company to vacate the unauthorized adjacent lots immediately.

The statement emphasized that Crown lands constitute public assets held in trust for citizens, and no entity is entitled to occupy them indefinitely without lawful tenure or state compensation. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and orderly development while supporting continued economic activity.

During an official visit to Guyana on Saturday, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. Terrance Drew, who currently chairs the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), expressed profound admiration for Guyana’s advanced approach to national security and crime prevention. The tour of Guyana’s National Command Centre in Georgetown—the operational hub for intelligence and coordinated security operations—provided firsthand insight into the country’s integrated system combining technology, intelligence gathering, and multi-agency coordination.

Dr. Drew emphasized that criminal activity transcends national borders, presenting a complex and evolving challenge that demands modern, strategic, and collaborative responses across the region. He stated that Guyana’s model offers valuable lessons not only for St. Kitts and Nevis but for all CARICOM member states seeking to enhance public safety and regional stability.

In addition to the facility tour, Prime Minister Drew held high-level talks with Guyana’s President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the State House. Their discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing broader CARICOM integration initiatives. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to transforming dialogue into concrete actions aimed at ensuring citizen safety and fostering regional resilience.

The visit concluded with a meeting between Dr. Drew and CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett at the newly established CARICOM Residence in Georgetown, where they reviewed preparations for the upcoming 50th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, scheduled from February 24–27 in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis.

This engagement forms part of a broader regional tour by the CARICOM Chair, which has included stops in The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Suriname, underscoring a concerted effort to reinforce security cooperation and unity throughout the Caribbean.

In a significant diplomatic engagement ahead of the 50th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali hosted St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew at State House this past Saturday. The high-level consultation, described by both leaders as profoundly productive, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional integration initiatives within the Caribbean Community.

Prime Minister Drew, who currently holds the rotating CARICOM chairmanship, emphasized the critical importance of regional unity during the closed-door discussions. “Our dialogue was exceptionally fruitful,” Drew stated following the meeting. “We remain committed to championing regional integration and collective advancement as fundamental pillars of CARICOM’s mission.”

The strategic dialogue covered multiple dimensions of Caribbean cooperation, with particular attention to enhancing collaborative frameworks between Guyana and St. Kitts and Nevis. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to addressing shared regional challenges through coordinated policy approaches and strengthened diplomatic ties.

The Guyanese delegation included Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, Public Service Minister Zulfikar Ally, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national security agencies. This substantial representation underscored the strategic importance both nations attach to the upcoming landmark summit.

The 50th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, scheduled to convene in St. Kitts and Nevis next week, marks a historic milestone for CARICOM. The pre-summit discussions between President Ali and Prime Minister Drew are expected to set a constructive tone for the broader multilateral negotiations, potentially influencing the regional agenda for the coming year.

WASHINGTON, DC — The International Monetary Fund has initiated close surveillance of potential economic repercussions following the Trump administration’s imposition of visa restrictions on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) passport holders from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. This diplomatic development emerges despite recent regional commitments to enhance program integrity through stricter transparency protocols.

The White House justified its provisional measures citing specific security concerns, including the absence of mandatory residency requirements and insufficient biometric data collection within both nations’ investment migration programs. Official statements emphasized that these limitations are essential to address national security vulnerabilities and immigration enforcement objectives.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne contested the allegations, highlighting his government’s year-long collaborative efforts with multiple US agencies to implement substantive safeguards within their CBI framework. “We have accepted practical suggestions and taken concrete steps to ensure our Programme presents no risk whatsoever to US security,” Browne asserted.

Although characterized as temporary pending review, these restrictions have raised alarms among economic observers who caution that even short-term measures could undermine investor confidence and program credibility. For Organization of Eastern Caribbean States members that depend significantly on CBI revenue streams, the implications extend beyond diplomatic friction to tangible economic vulnerability.

The IMF’s measured response indicates that while direct economic impact remains contained, the institution recognizes elevated downside risks affecting revenue stability, travel freedom, and business mobility across the region.