Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 27, 2021 (SKNIS): The Team Unity Cabinet of Ministers met on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. Several issues affecting the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis were deliberated on.
- Cabinet finalized the Church Service for the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, January 28, 2021, to be held at the Antioch Baptist Church at 9:00 am.
- The National COVID-19 Task Force gave its weekly briefing to the Cabinet where the usual update on statistics locally, regionally, and internationally was given. Apart from the customary update on statistics, the Chief Medical Officer informed the Cabinet of the vaccine procurement process, advised on the Federation’s placement in the queue, and the public education campaign needed to sensitize citizens on the need for vaccination. The Joseph Nathaniel France (JNF) General Hospital expects to have the services of a consultant to give technical support and training regarding COVID-19 matters and certification. The Director of The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) updated the Cabinet on passenger throughput, and from the figures presented it was obvious that there is a decline in passenger arrivals. In spite of this, another hotel, the Montpelier Hotel in Nevis, has been approved for vacation in place, and two crews are presently in the Federation for film production.
- The Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Ministry of National Security for user fee increases on certain specific services offered by the Ministry. These increases have been approved to come into effect during the second quarter of 2021.
- The Minister with responsibility for International Trade informed the Cabinet that the case brought by Belize against the Federation in the matter of sugar importation outside the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) region has been withdrawn.
- The Commissioner of Police reported to the Cabinet that the crime statistics were still trending downwards except for malicious damage to property and that motorists should endeavour to be more conscious to avoid leaving valuables exposed in unattended vehicles.
- Cabinet also approved submissions to assist citizens in maintaining their normal standard of living.
