St Kitts and Nevis Breaks Ground on Prime Creative Arts Center

St Kitts  and Nevis broke ground on the long awaited Creative Arts Center on Friday January 9, 2025. The Minister of Creative Economy, Samal Duggins called this a very important development for the people. 

The event was attended by several members of the government, including the Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew. The Deputy Prime Minister, Geoffrey Hanley, Senior  Minister Dr Denzil Douglas and The Governor General of St Kitts and Nevis, Dame Marcella Liburd were also among the attendants of the groundbreaking ceremony. 

The project is being realised under the public benefit option of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship programme. As such, the Chair of the CIU was also present at the event and also had the opportunity to deliver his remarks. 

The Minister of Creative Economy said that this Creative Arts Center will be home for the creatives of the country. He also claimed that this will be the largest hub of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean. 

The Minister of Creative Economy asserted that,  “We are creating a single, integrated space that welcomes and supports cultural heritage, performing arts, culinary arts, gaming and innovation, visual arts and craft, arts administration, visual arts and craft arts and administration, cosmetic arts, literary arts and Film & Media. One Space that embodies all of it”

The Minister also further recalled that the creation of a space for the creatives of the nation was one of the first promises that he made to the people when he was launched in public service. He also noted that he had made the commitment to stand by the creatives of his nation. 

He said that his words were not simply for the sake of words, but a promise for the  future of the creative sector in the country. The project is one of its kind and will provide unique avenues to the people creatives of the country, including employment and creative expression.

The construction of the Prime Creative Arts Center is being funded through the Public Benefit Option of the St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme of St Kitts and Nevis.The Chair of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, Calvin St Juste lent his confidence to this project.

He addressed the people who were gathered in the groundbreaking ceremony and said, “Creativity is one thing but funding and investing makes it a reality. The center is a project that represents far more than bricks and mortar.It represents belief, belief in our people, belief in creativity as an economic force, and belief in development that serve as public good.”

The words of the CIU Chair are proof of the confidence of the nation in the development of the creative arts centre. The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis was also present at the event and took the time to address the attendants during the groundbreaking ceremony.

He said that this creative art center represents empowering progress and moving our country forward in a very real and tangible way. He reflected on the importance of government support in the realisation of these projects. “As a government, we have been intentional about creating an environment where a serious and responsible investment can thrive.  That means clear rules, sound governance, transparency and a commitment to long-term national benefit. 

The Prime Minister reflected on the benefits that such a project can bring to the nation.

“When investors see that they respond and when they respond in the ways that uplift our people and expand opportunity, everyone wins. This Creative Arts Center is a powerful example of how that strategy translates into real and tangible outcomes for generations.” 

The Creative Arts Centre is a crucial project in the roadmap of the SKNLP administration. Their vision has been towards diversifying and strengthening the economy of St Kitts and Nevis.