Last Updated on April 1, 2026, 2:48 PM AST by Anthony Morris
St. Kitts and Nevis has announced their willingness to take a lead in the efforts to establish direct air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean. This is to be done under an innovative financing medium which is Minimum Revenue Guarantees (MRGs).
At the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit in Abuja, Nigeria Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew made these remarks as a part of his closing remarks during the conclusion of the summit on March 28. The Prime Minister said the initiative will help in removing longstanding barriers between both regions in terms of trade and collaboration.
During the last day of the summit Drew raised questions on the current travel situation and urged change in the situation. He questioned why direct routes have not been established yet. “ Why do we have to go north to come south?”
Further he mentioned no direct flights between the Caribbean and Africa create inefficiencies and indignities for travellers. He stated that direct flights cover the same distance like international routes and direct flights were more practical. “Do you know that this length of flight from St. Kitts and Nevis to England is the same as from St. Kitts and Nevis to here?”
Moreover, Prime Minister Drew shared that St. Kitts and Nevis aviation development has seen a successful track record. He explained MRG arrangement has managed to attract major international airlines in the past. He also said that St. Kitts and Nevis are all set to serve as a bridge to fill the aviation gap between both the regions.
The Prime Minister explained when direct air routes will start, the island will be taking the lead on the initiative with MRG Minimum Revenue Guarantees, which is a financing system designed to support the airlines during the initial stage of the programme. He also reassured that the federation is all set to take the first move to give guarantees to airlines to start direct flights between both the regions.
According to the Prime Minister direct air connectivity will help significantly in establishing new economic opportunities across trade, tourism, investment, and culture and it also strengthens people to people ties between both regions.
Additionally, Dr Terrance Drew appealed to governments, investors, and private sectors for collective action to make direct Africa-Carribean air travel a reality for the future.
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.
