Last Updated on August 27, 2026, 7:02 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis has taken center stage at the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia. The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action et al highlighted the drought situation that the nation is facing at the summit.
The Minister said that the nation has seen 12 drought events in the last two decades. The nation is also facing one of the most severe droughts they have seen in recent times due to reduction in rains.
The officials confirm that in the past year, St Kitts and Nevis has seen approximately 44% reduction in rainfall. Minister Joyelle Clarke highlighted that the nation has made several investments in strengthening the water infrastructure of the country.
The Minister made these remarks at the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience at UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia. In her remarks, the Minister has shared details about the various projects that St Kitts and Nevis has taken.
Dr Clarke spoke about the National Water Policy, the Green Climate Fund-supported SKN TransWater Project. Dr Clarke also highlighted the administration’s efforts to improve well capacity and water storage in the country.
In the last few years, the government of St Kitts and Nevis has delivered on the promised 2 Million Gallons Per Day Desalination Plant. She also highlighted that the desalination plant has helped in increasing water capacity up to 24/7 water supply for 70% of the population.
Prior to these investments being made, only 24% of the population had access to 24 hour water.
The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action et al has called for stronger regional action. She has also extended her support to the proposed Caribbean Drought Initiative through PISLM. According to Minister Clarke, this can be an opportunity for small island states within the Caribbean to strengthen preparedness, investment and resilience.
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.
