Author: SKNISEditor

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis – The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis proudly announces the launch of its official Independence 42 Calendar of Activities, heralding a dynamic season of reflection and sustainable growth in honour of the nation’s 42 nd anniversary of independence. Under the inspiring theme “Perpetual Progress – A Sustainable Future in View: Independence 42,” the calendar features over 40 events spanning sports, culture, dialogue and community spirit from August to October 2025. The calendar opens solemnly on August 1 st  with the MV Christena Disaster Memorial Service, honouring the past and crescendos through September with flagship events like: National Heroes Day (Sept…

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, July 31, 2025 (SKNIS) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has taken a bold and historic step to empower its creative sector with the passage of the Industrial Designs Bill, 2025, the first legislation of its kind in the Federation. This landmark law establishes a modern legal framework that allows local designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to formally protect the visual appearance of their original creations, positioning Saint Kitts and Nevis as a forward-looking nation in the global intellectual property arena. Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, led…

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, July 31, 2025 (SKNIS) – The National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis today, July 31, 2025, passed the Gaming Control (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a vital piece of legislation aimed at supporting the operational rollout of the National Lotteries Authority (NLA). In leading the debate, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, described the amendment as a “technical but necessary refinement” to the Gaming Control Act, designed to remove administrative redundancies and ensure a smooth regulatory environment for the NLA’s operations. “Let me be absolutely clear, Madam Deputy Speaker: this exemption is not…

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, July 31, 2025, (SKNIS) – Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, championed the passage of the National Lotteries Authority Bill, 2025, emphasising its transformative potential to retain an estimated EC$70 million in annual lottery revenue currently leaving the Federation. The National Lotteries Authority Bill, 2025, establishes the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) as a body corporate, charged with managing all lottery operations within the Federation. It includes provisions for employment, social funding, regulatory compliance, and financial oversight. The Gaming Commission, under the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), will continue as the chief regulator…

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, July 31, 2025 (PMO) — Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has dismissed claims of increased per diem allowances for government ministers as “misinformation” and “political mischief,” confirming in Parliament today, July 31, that per diem rates remain unchanged since 2008. Speaking during the National Assembly’s morning session, Prime Minister Drew stated unequivocally, “The per diem that I get is the same per diem that has been in place since 2008. It has not even been adjusted for inflation and increasing cost.” Dr. Drew was responding to false narratives suggesting that the government had implemented increases to per…

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, July 31, 2025 (PMO) — Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has announced a significant drop in the number of in-hospital deaths across the Federation, describing it as tangible evidence that the government’s investments in health infrastructure and emergency care are saving lives. Delivering a statement this morning, July 31, during a sitting of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Drew reported that in-hospital deaths during the second quarter of 2025 had fallen to 104, down from 125 in the same period of 2024 and 132 in 2023. This 21-person reduction represents an approximate 20% decrease over two years.…

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, July 31, 2025 (PMO) — Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, officially welcomed His Excellency Edward Tao, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Kitts and Nevis, during a diplomatic courtesy meeting today, July 31st. Prime Minister Drew used the opportunity to express his confidence in the Ambassador’s ability to continue the strong diplomatic work of his predecessor, H.E. Michael Lin, and reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to deepening the longstanding relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan), which this year marks…

St. George’s, Grenada, July 29, 2025 (SKNIS): Tangible success stories of African-Caribbean cooperation were highlighted by Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, during his address at ACTIF2025, on July 29, spotlighting how the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has led the charge in transforming vision into action. Recounting a series of historic exchanges that began with a summit in Basseterre, Dr. Drew shared how a partnership with Aquarian Consult in Nigeria led to reciprocal visits between Africa and the Caribbean, including a cultural delegation to Saint Kitts and Nevis featuring athletes, artists, and business leaders. The result?…

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS AND NEVIS – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis today confirms that the Travel Per Diem Policy for Government Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and other public officers remains unchanged since its establishment in 2008 (Ministry of Finance Circular No. 09/2008). This clarification addresses persistent false claims circulating in the public domain. The 2008 policy continues to govern all official travel expenditures: The policy further stipulates reduced rates for travel exceeding 14 days and prohibits per diems for fully sponsored trips. The Government notes with concern repeated allegations—including the categorically false claim that ministers receive US$1,000 daily—which misrepresent public expenditure. Such…

St. George’s, Grenada, July 29, 2025 (SKNIS): Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, delivered an impactful address on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the fourth Africa Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2025), calling on leaders and citizens alike to reimagine the Atlantic not as a divide, but as a bridge of opportunity. Prime Minister Drew emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean to achieve shared progress and prosperity. “It is indeed an honour for me to have the opportunity to address this remarkable gathering at the fourth Africa Caribbean Trade…