Last Updated on September 19, 2026, 3:41 PM AST by Anthony Morris
Dr Geoffrey Hanley, Acting Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis addressed the country on the 43rd Independence Day. Dr Hanley extended the best wishes for the commemoration for the event to the nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis within the federation and living in the diaspora. He was addressing the country on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew, who is currently recovering from health concerns overseas.
In his address, Dr Hanley reflected on the progress that the country has seen in the last year. One of the major developments that the Acting Prime Minister recalled was the significant growth of the water infrastructure. He expressed pride in the fact that the country has successfully commissioned the first 2 Million Gallon Desalination Plant.
He also proudly announced that the administration has invested between EC$70 Million to EC$100 Million to strengthen the country’s water infrastructure. He highlighted that in 2022, only one third of the country’s population had access to safe drinking water. That number has increased to over 70% under the present administration.
The Acting Prime Minister highlighted “We drilled new wells, expanded storage, replaced ancient pipelines, restored water to communities that had endured shortage for decades, and pursued new groundwater sources.”
He also talked about the new well which has been drilled in the Saddlers community only a few weeks previously. Dr Hanley also announced that the drilling rig has already moved to Newtown Ground, with further exploration planned at 17 sites across this island.
Further in his independence day address, Dr Hanley also highlighted the achievements of the government with respect to their investments in human resource development. The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has increased the minimum wage of the country to EC$12.50 per hour.
The officials have shared that the government has also secured pensions for the GAE workers, and honorarium for the frontline workers after their services to the country after Covid-19.
The officials have shared that the government has also opened more than 4000 accounts as a part of the ASPIRE programme. The programme has been backed by an investment of EC$ 4 Million to give our children a financial foundation for adulthood
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.
