Author: SKNISEditor

The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis holds fast to the notion that our citizens are the bedrock of our nation. We support the right of our nationals to become global citizens and applaud their efforts to explore opportunities in other countries, both near and far.While new developments suggest that over 1.4 million nationals of various countries are expected to be repatriated to their homelands, and this includes 68 nationals of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the government is mindful that the repatriation process begins with official communication from the sending country. As such, we await such official communication.At the same…

Basseterre, St. Kitts (February 3, 2025) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, through the Consumer Affairs Department, continues its market surveillance efforts to ensure that the benefits of the recent Value Added Tax (VAT) reduction are passed on to consumers. The reduction in VAT from 17 to 13 percent, which took effect on January 01, 2025, was designed to ease financial burdens and enhance affordability for households across the Federation. A preliminary market assessment conducted by the Consumer Affairs Department has shown encouraging results, with several retailers reflecting reduced prices across various product categories. The findings indicate that…

United Nations, New York (3 February 2025) – On 31st January, the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis convened the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States on 29th January signaling greater partnership and cooperation as it leans into greater visibility, leadership and strategic impact at the United Nations. Her Excellency Dr. Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative to the United Nations gaveled the meeting to order and thanked her colleagues for the spirit of consensus and partnership. The Federation assumed chairmanship of the GRULAC at the start of the year taking over from Saint Lucia. Her Excellency now passes the…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, January 31, 2025 (PMO) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis hasintroduced an innovative traffic enforcement initiative that will allow citizens to play a direct role in curbing reckless driving while also benefiting financially. Under the newly passed Vehicles andRoad Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, individuals who submit video or dashcam footage leading tothe successful conviction of a reckless driver could receive a reward of up to $5,000.The Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Garth Wilkin, described themeasure as a game-changer in the fight against dangerous driving. He explained that citizens whowitness reckless…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, January 31, 2025 (PMO) The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is adopting a data-driven approach to improve road safety across the Federation.  Speaking in Parliament yesterday, January 30th, 2025, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Hon. Garth Wilkin expressed that this approach will inform targeted infrastructural changes, revised traffic policies, and stronger enforcement measures. The data, according to Hon. Wilkin, derive from the findings of the Sustainable Road Safety Project, a government-led initiative aimed at reducing road accidents and achieving zero fatalities by 2030. Accordingly, traffic accident data collected between 2019 and 2024…

(Dept. of Creative Economy: Cultural Heritage, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025): – Nine trainees are currently being instructed by Stone Masonry Master Roosvelt Devent on the traditional methods of stonework at the inaugural ICH (Intangible Cultural Heritage) Adult Knowledge Transfer Training Master Class which commenced at Wingfield, Old Road, Monday January 27, 2025. With over 30 years of experience Mr. Devent said he honed his skills at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park where he contributed to much of the masonry restoration work over the years. Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister responsible for Creative Economy: Cultural Heritage, visited the site of the wall…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025 (SKNIS): Minister of State with responsibility for Social Development, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, has wholeheartedly endorsed the passage of the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the National Assembly on January 30, 2025. The Bill, moved by the Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, increases penalties for unsafe and reckless driving practices. It also includes stiffer measures for persons driving under the influence, while facilitating greater use of technology tools such as traffic cameras and automated ticketing systems. The aim is to ensure safer roads for all users. Speaking in her capacity as the Co-chair of the Advisory…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025 (SKNIS): The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General of St. Kitts and Nevis, has hailed the passage of the Plea Negotiations and Agreements Bill, 2024, as a transformative step for the country’s legal system. The Bill, which was successfully passed in the National Assembly on January 30, 2025, introduces a structured framework for plea negotiations, aiming to expedite case resolutions and ease the burden on the courts. The legislation ensures that criminal cases, particularly indictable offenses, can be settled fairly and efficiently without unnecessary delays. During his presentation in Parliament, Attorney General Wilkin underscored the…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025 (SKNIS): The Federal Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis has successfully passed the Plea Negotiations and Agreements Bill, 2024, which is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at enhancing efficiency within the criminal justice system. The Bill, which was presented for debate by Attorney General (AG), the Honourable Garth Wilkin, in the National Assembly on Thursday, January 30, 2025, introduces a structured legal framework for plea negotiations and agreements. Attorney General Wilkin emphasised the significance of the Bill, noting that it aligns with international best practices and regional commitments to criminal justice reform. He…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 30, 2025 (SKNIS): The Honourable Garth Wilkin, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, presented on the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the National Assembly on Thursday, January 30, which was successfully passed, underscoring the government’s commitment to road safety and accident reduction in St. Kitts and Nevis. The Bill, which forms part of the broader Sustainable Road Safety Project, introduces key measures aimed at enhancing traffic regulations, reducing reckless driving, and promoting safer road usage. Attorney General Wilkin provided an in-depth overview of the work done by the Inter-Ministerial Sustainable…