Author: SKNISEditor

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 03, 2020 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris has lauded the vision and foresight of the Right Excellent and Right Honourable Dr. Sir Kennedy A. Simmonds, during his tenure as the country’s first prime minister, that led to the establishment of diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan) some 37 years ago that has served both countries well today. “Looking back some 37 years ago when the leaders then determined that the Republic of China (Taiwan) would be an important country with which we want…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 01, 2020 (SKNIS): The manufacturing sector has consistently been a key contributor to the economic success of St. Kitts and Nevis. The sector is currently recovering from a slowdown in operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is on course for a productive third quarter. “All our manufacturing plants are opened and over 84 percent of all employees willing to work are back on the job,” Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris reported at his monthly press conference on October 01, 2020. “Across eight manufacturing plants, 879 persons are back at work,” Dr. Harris…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 01, 2020 (SKNIS): Even in the COVID-19 Pandemic, the maintenance of relationships with stakeholders is key, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Raquel Brown, during an appearance on the radio and television show “Working for You” on September 30. Ms. Brown said that around the world, airlines have had to either stop operation or they have had to park their aircrafts because of the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. She added that the cruise industry has halted operations with the CDC issuing a No Sail Order, which may be extended until…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 01, 2020 (SKNIS): The Travel Approved Seal is necessary to operate tourism based services in St. Kitts and Nevis, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (SKTA), Raquel Brown, while appearing on the radio and television show “Working for You” on September 30. At the end of July 2020, the SKTA started a Travel Approved Training for the Travel Approved Seal for all tourism entities that interact with tourists, said Ms. Brown. The CEO stated that after training the businesses will have to have the seal and certificate displayed. It will also be…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 02, 2020 (SKNIS): Because of the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Sugar Mas events for 2020 will have a different feel and formula of the rich cultural expressions traditionally associated with the annual activities. Against this backdrop, officials of the St. Kitts-Nevis National Carnival Committee (SKNNCC) are planning innovative events. “Our national carnival was established with the aim of highlighting our arts, music and folklore and in so doing unite our people. As such, the committee, along with its partners intends to create virtual events that are new and creative, as well as scaled back activities for the end…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 02, 2020 (SKNIS): In celebration of International Day of Older Persons, the Department of Community Development and Social Services held a special church service at the Antioch Baptist Church. Every year the department plans and executes a calendar of activities for the elderly to encourage the integration and bonding of their families who are invited to participate.  However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the activities were removed and the calendar revised. Activities held included a competition, public awareness campaigns, and a church service. Speaking at the church service on October 1, Minister responsible for the…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 02, 2020 (SKNIS): Fourteen individuals have been awarded scholarships to study abroad in the Republic of China (Taiwan). At the award ceremony held on September 30, 2020, Minister of Education, the Honourable Jonel Powell, congratulated the awardees. “I think this is an amazing opportunity for you and it is certainly something that you should be commended on,” he said to the awardees. Minister Powell thanked the Government of Taiwan for its continued assistance and commitment to the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis. “In particular, I am happy for the commitment to increase the number…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 1, 2020 (SKNIS): The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, in preparation for the reopening of its borders, has provided three thousand four hundred and fifty-eight workers in the hotel, hospitality and transport sectors with training on the new norms for living and working safely in a COVID-19 environment. At his monthly press conference on October 1, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris said that the health experts “have been working with SCASPA on plans to retrofit our airport for passenger movement in a manner that minimizes risk of COVID-19 infection by our frontline workers at…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 01, 2020 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – In an effort to protect the interests of employees and further safeguard the stronger and safer future for all, the Team Unity administration has committed to revisiting the Protection of Employment Act to address several matters, particularly as they relate to the Severance Payments Fund. The Protection of Employment Act was originally passed in 1986. It was revised in 2002 and is now known as the Protection of Employment Act Chapter 18.27. The Act “makes certain provisions in respect of termination of employment; the establishment of…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 1, 2020 (SKNIS): The Team Unity Cabinet of Ministers met on Monday, September 28, 2020, 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. The Cabinet entertained discussions on the preparations for the reopening of the borders. The reconfiguring of the airport and the necessary infrastructural adjustments are being made to facilitate a safe and smooth reopening. The Cabinet was informed of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) search for a Director General and efforts…