Last Updated on January 8, 2025, 3:44 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Mark Brantley, the Premier of Nevis and the minister of finance and economic planning in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has expressed optimism for the year 2025, reiterating his government’s firm mission to boost economic growth, social cohesion and development of infrastructure in Nevis.
In his New Year message, Premier Brantley mentioned the budget he presented on December 3, 2024, under the theme “Moving Forward: People Focused, Supporting Entrepreneurship and Bolstering Job Creation”.
“On the 3rd of December last year, I presented our Budget that was focused on moving forward, continuing the growth momentum, supporting entrepreneurship and providing opportunities. The Budget presented was people-centred and received the praise from our local, regional and international partners,” Brantley said.
The premier, in his budget plan, claimed that the economy of Nevis was doing well and produced figures to back his words.
“Our overall balance moved from a deficit of $29.48 million at the end of October 2023 to a negligible deficit of $3.11 million as of October 31, 2024,” he said, for example.
“This significant narrowing of the overall deficit over the last 12 months indicates that the economy is indeed gaining strength. The fiscal gap has narrowed over the last 12 months with the deficit moving from $21.12 million as at October 2023 to $19.49 million at the end of October 2024. The fiscal deficit has been contained within the budgeted limit of $27.91 million.”
Nevis’s fiscal plan for 2025 includes important projects that aim to make the island a hub of economic and social development. The include the ongoing work on the Alexandra Hospital Project, the construction of 46 houses by the Nevis Housing and Land Corporation and Church Ground Main Road adding to the road network at Upper Hamilton.
Other key initiatives include the launch of the ‘Music in the Schools’ programme backed by Windsong Foundation and the programme to encourage members of the diaspora to return to their homeland to work, retire, and invest.
2025 will be marked by economic transformation through diversification
Prioritizing the significance of diversification of the economy to achieve a resilient one, Brantley said Nevis aims to foster economic growth through the expansion of micro, small and medium enterprises and large-scale investments.
“In short, 2025 will be marked by economic transformation through diversification,” the premier remarked.
Brantley’s had spoken about ‘economic transformation through diversification’ in his New Year message as well where he also praised his government saying it worked closely with people for a better life despite challenges such as inflation.
Reflecting on the government’s performance in 2024, Brantley said Nevis succeeded in accelerating its socio-economic progress while bringing changes to its infrastructure.
He said, “In 2024, every index of material life recorded significant improvement; wages and salaries have increased, job creation, education, health, housing and physical infrastructure have all improved. Culture, sport, travel, style and leisure have all trended upwards.”
NIA identifies key focus areas
The NIA has decided to put a special focus on key areas such as employment, education, agriculture, health, housing, national security and social services. According to Premier Brantley, Nevis will facilitate the fulfilment of strategic priorities through that.
The key objective of every economic initiative is to make a difference in the lives of the people of the island-state for the better. In his New Year message, the premier said the administration aims to improve the standard of living.
We will foster a harmonious and inclusive society, one where our people can live happy lives, excel and realize their full potential. This, however, can only be achieved if we individually and collectively play our part in the project of building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive St. Kitts and Nevis. As one people, with a shared destiny, we are intertwined and connected as members of one Nevisian and Kittitian household.
“Let us therefore resolve as joint heirs and stewards of this Federation, to unite and work together for the common cause of national upliftment,” he said.
Premier lauds people’s resilience
Speaking about the resilience of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, Brantley said they have the ability to overcome challenges and make use of opportunities.
“Let us face the New Year with courage and conviction, demonstrating, day by day, the mettle we are made of,” he said and urged the citizens to stand united and strive towards the shared goal of national prosperity.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
