Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 24, 2018 (SKNIS): The formal meeting of the Cabinet took place on Monday, April 23, 2018. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. Here are the salient matters that were discussed and the decisions taken that are designed to advance the growth and development of the country:
- Cabinet received a report from the Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, on his recent visit abroad. The Cabinet of Ministers was delighted by the news that the St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) Programme is still the best sought after programme available. It is also respected as the most trusted programme and that is due to the robust due diligence process; the quality and strength of the programme are documented by several reputable international organizations. These organizations have been assessing many programmes over a period of time. The programme is also classed as the most innovative. The new initiatives, including the Sustainable Growth Fund, have achieved great market acceptance and are well supported. The pool of international marketing agents continues to grow, and serious interest is being shown in further investment in the Federation in new areas of economic activity.
- Cabinet also heard of the bilateral meetings that the Honourable Prime Minister and his delegation held with the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and of the imminent visit of the UAE Minister of International Cooperation to the Federation.
- Cabinet commended the lead role of the St. Kitts and Nevis team to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which was held in London, England, from April 16-20. Cabinet also commended the efforts of St. Kitts and Nevis’ High Commissioner to London, His Excellency Dr. Kevin Isaac, in being part of a Caribbean group who worked at securing a resolution in the Windrush Immigration matter. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Mark Brantley, was extremely pleased with the work that had been done at the High Commission in this regard.
- Cabinet determined that it was time to revisit the country’s immigration policies and in this regard the Honourable Prime Minister was charged with putting together a committee to advise Cabinet on policy initiatives and changes, which may redound to the benefit of all citizens.
- Cabinet approved submissions to give support to local entrepreneurs, especially those that were pioneering in areas which could create significant jobs and add to the economic enhancement of our people’s lives.
- Cabinet considered many personnel issues, which could improve the efficiency of the Government.
- The Attorney General, the Honourable Vincent Byron Jr., updated Cabinet on matters relating to the Parliament, the issue of the Dominican Diplomatic passport held by Leader of the Opposition, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas and several other matters of litigation in which the Chambers was presently involved.
- Two presentations were made to the Cabinet by two different entities to discuss matters of importance, and economic interest in the country.
- The Honourable Minister responsible for Agriculture, Eugene Hamilton, briefed the Cabinet on the upcoming Annual Agricultural Open Day, which takes place from 26th to 27th April.
- The Cabinet was also informed of the Prime Minister’s Press Conference, which is slated for Wednesday, April 25, at 10:00 am.
