Author: SKNISEditor

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 06, 2023 (SKNIS): The Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) is undergoing key reforms that will strengthen the effectiveness of the social assistance programme as part of the government’s strategy to build a robust social protection system. In a national address on Sunday (February 05, 2023), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Development, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said that the programme will be re-branded in the coming months as a temporary cash-transfer income supplement programme. It will have a new name and clearly defined objectives, conditions, and operational plans. Case management will be introduced to the PAP…

(Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 2, 2023): Farmers from the Gideon Force Organic Farm paid a visit to the Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives on Tuesday, 31 January 2023. During the meeting, the farmers were given the opportunity to engage the Minister on several topics including organic farming, training and education as well as cooperation between the Ministry of Agriculture and the group. In a social media post via Facebook on Wednesday, Minister Duggins described the meeting as “productive” while also sharing that the members gifted him with a sample of their organic produce which…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 6, 2023 (SKNIS): The Order Paper has been issued for a sitting of the National Assembly to be held at the National Assembly Chambers, Government Headquarters, Basseterre, on Wednesday 8th February, 2023, at 10:00 am. Notice has been given.Six Bill will receive their first reading and two will receive their second reading. The Government’s good governance legislative agenda will take flight at Wednesday’s sitting as the Government continues to commit itself to transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption in public office.The Honourable Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Social Security,…

My fellow citizens, nationals and residents. I greet you this evening to provide an update regarding ongoing reforms to the Poverty Alleviation Programme following the application process of 2022. At the close of the application process on December 30th 2022, over eleven thousand applications were submitted through the online application portal. Of the total applications received from across St. Kitts and Nevis, 9,094 applications were fully completed and accepted for further review, verification, and processing. A further review of the completed applications revealed that 8,985 applicants were eligible based on the self – reported earnings. Further verification of employment and income status of…

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, 5thFebruary, 2023—The Department of Physical Planning, which falls under the Ministry of Sustainable Development, on Thursday, 2nd February, 2023, ended a three-day consultation at the NEMA Conference Room, on the update of the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP). It was last revised in 2006 and speaks specifically to the use of lands in St Kitts. The NPDP guides all development and management of land and natural resources, zoning and location of developments. Director of Physical Planning, Austin Farier said the consultations are intended to generate meaningful discussion in order for the Plan to be effective and efficient.…

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, 5th February, 2023 – The National Ozone Unit (NOU) within the Department of Environment continues its project work on the Montreal Protocol with student data collectors. The Montreal Protocol, to which St Kitts and Nevis is party, addresses Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and is a landmark environmental agreement that controls the manufacture and the use of man-made chemicals that, in turn, damages the ozone layer which is a protective shield from the harmful radiation of the sun to humans and the environment. Critical components of the Montreal Protocol include data collection and monitoring. The students are…

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, 3rdFebruary 2023—The Department of Environment entered the second phase of communication activities for the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Project by engaging Agricultural Experts. The project aims to control what is considered invasive species or organisms that pose a threat to the environment like the green vervet monkey, brown rats and wild tamarind. For this purpose, former Director of Agriculture, Melvin James and former Chief Extension Officer in the Nevis Island Assembly, Walcott James, have been contracted to build awareness and provide technical capacity to the farming community on both islands. This will be realized through a series…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 05, 2023 (SKNIS): The installation of Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, GCMG, JP as the fifth Governor-General of St. Kitts and Nevis, and the first female to hold this important position, was described as a “significant milestone that has been long in coming.” Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew expressed this sentiment on Saturday (February 04, 2023) while delivering remarks at the Installation Ceremony of Her Excellency Liburd at Government House. Dr. Drew noted that finding the right balance of principles such as democracy and equity is worth fighting for in an imperfect world. “Equity…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 05, 2023 (SKNIS): History was once again recorded in St. Christopher and Nevis on Saturday, February 04, 2023, when Her Excellency Dame Marcella Althea Liburd GCMG, JP, was installed as the Federation’s first female and fifth Governor-General during a significant ceremony at Government House. His Majesty King Charles III gave the approval to confer the Honour of Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George on Her Excellency Marcella Liburd. “Today, I stand before you as your new Governor-General, humbled by the awesome task ahead, grateful for the trust bestowed…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 05, 2023 (SKNIS): Her Excellency Dame Marcella Althea Liburd GCMG, JP, who was installed as the Federation’s first female and fifth Governor-General during a significant ceremony at Government House on Saturday, February 04, 2023, was described as a true leader by Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley. “Your Excellency, your remarkable achievements are an example of what it means to be a patriot. Your passion and law for your nation and people are exemplary and have been the driving force throughout your career,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Hanley, while delivering remarks at the installation ceremony. “You remind us…