Author: SKNISEditor

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): The Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, during his contribution to the 2024 Budget Debate on Monday, December 18, 2023, highlighted the significant increase in the budget allocation for water since the Dr. Drew-led Administration assumed office in August 2022. “I want to stress that we met a budget of 8.7 million dollars for water in 2022, despite the many challenges that we were having with water. When we got there we increased the budget by 160 percent to 22.7 million dollars in 2023. And guess what we are…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, under the leadership of the Honourable Konris Maynard, intends to pursue the commencement of a number of key public infrastructure projects in 2024, as well as the completion of others that were abandoned by the past administration. Understanding that construction is one of the major catalysts for economic growth, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has alloted in excess of $130 million in construction-related capital expenditure. “Some of the proposed government projects under this ministry include the construction of coastal area revetments in Irish Town, Fortlands…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): Youth representation at key decision-making roles is expected to expand in 2024, with the advancement of a proposal to establish a youth focal point within each government ministry in St. Kitts and to create an umbrella student council. The proposal is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and is in keeping with the vision of Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley. While serving as the Director of Youth in 2010, Dr. Hanley successfully advocated for youth to be included on statutory boards. He noted that this tradition is being…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): During the third day of the 2024 Budget Debate, the Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney-General of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, outlined a forward-thinking agenda for the upcoming year. This includes significant budget allocations aimed at reinforcing the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice & Legal Affairs, with an emphasis on comprehensive legal reforms and community development initiatives. The 2024 budget allocates EC$3.125 million in Capital Projects and EC$24.1 million in Recurrent Expenditure, a move set to enhance the functional capacity and societal engagement of the…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): The Honourable Marsha Henderson, Minister of Employment and Labour, unveiled her ministry’s ambitious agenda to transform the employment landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis in a manner closely aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Minister Henderson emphasized the ministry’s commitment to spearhead initiatives that correspond with five pivotal SDGs: SDG 1 – No Poverty; SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10 – Reducing Inequalities; and SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production. These goals, Minister Henderson said, form the cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Attorney General’s Office and Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs did much to advance the Good Governance Agenda in St. Kitts and Nevis this year. Despite other achievements, the ministry’s significant success in 2023, was its dedication to safeguarding the public purse against immoral acts and wastage. This was stated by Attorney-General (AG) the Honourable Garth Wilkin when he contributed to the 2024 Budget Debate during a Sitting of the National Assembly on December 18, 2023. Thanks to the diligent work of the staff of the Attorney General’s Office [AGO], AG…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): Construction of the model smart homes by the East Coast Housing Development Ltd. is progressing well, with the construction of the finished roof about to begin. While many are eagerly awaiting the completion of these houses, the National Housing Corporation (NHC) will embark on other housing solutions to meet the incredible demand for homes. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Housing and Human Settlement, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, said that the government has budgeted more than eight (8) million dollars to facilitate other housing initiatives apart from the 2,400 homes in five…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS): During her participation in the 2024 Budget Debate on Monday, December 18, 2023, the Honourable Marsha Henderson, Minister of Employment and Labour, outlined the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’ proactive steps to support small businesses in the anticipation of the forthcoming increase in the minimum wage. Effective January 01, 2024, the national minimum wage will rise from $9 per hour ($360.00 per week) to $10.75 per hour ($430.00 per week), with a further increase to $12.50 per hour ($500.00 per week) scheduled for July 01, 2025. Recognizing the potential impact on small…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 18, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Honourable Marsha Henderson said the Ministry of Tourism, which she leads, will look to promote and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices across the tourism sector, thus ensuring the protection of the Federation’s unique features. “As we march forward on the journey to a Sustainable Island State, it is incumbent upon us to recognise the pivotal role of tourism in not only driving economic prosperity, but also the importance of safeguarding our ecological heritage and nurturing the well-being of our local communities, which is the essence of what we call…