Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 15, 2017 (SKNIS)—On Monday, March 13, the formal meeting of the Cabinet took place. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris.
1.
The Cabinet recorded its concern over the shooting incident at the home of Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Shawn Richards in the wee hours of the morning of March 10, 2017. Cabinet records its thanks to God that there were no injuries occasioned on the deputy prime minister and any member of his family. Cabinet condemned the incident and was assured by the commissioner of police that the Police was on top of the incident and that one person was already in custody assisting the Police with its investigation. The commissioner of police reported that the matter is being given the highest level of attention and that he’s briefed on a regular basis regarding developments impacting upon the investigation.
2. The Cabinet was again reminded that the Public Sector has to lead in the growth of the federation and to that end the public sector was encouraged to have all capital projects ready for the year up and running as soon as possible. The Ministry of Infrastructure has been entrusted to take the lead in all the public sector programmes for the rest of the year. In that same vein, Cabinet received an update from the Minister of State responsible for Health, Senator the Hon. Wendy Phipps, regarding the construction of the Tabernacle Health Center. Cabinet reaffirmed its decision that the health center should be constructed with some degree of priority having regard to the fact that the health services are being delivered from the lower deck to the daycare center and the operation of the health center from the daycare facility has compromised the offer of health support to the residents served by that health center. The Tabernacle Health Center serves District 7, which runs from Belle Vue to Lodge Ghaut.
3. Cabinet was updated that Sir Probyn Inniss was ill and was at the JNF Hospital. Cabinet discussed certain matters pertaining to the care and upkeep of the former governor of St. Kitts and Nevis and made some decisions regarding appropriate measures to be taken with respect to him.
4. Cabinet discussed the matter of street vending and the use of the public market by all vendors in that a significant number of persons still occupy places around the market adding to the congestion and sanitation issues in the Basseterre area. The Ministry of Agriculture was charged to take requisite action to address these matters in consultation with the affected parties.
5. Cabinet was advised of the commencement of the Lenten services and of the invitation extended to the Cabinet for it to attend the follow up service from Superintendent Reverend Hilton Joseph.
6. Cabinet approved a number of alien land holding licenses.
