Last Updated on January 2, 2025, 2:40 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew extended his New Year’s greetings to the citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis, wishing them joy, good health, peace and prosperity for 2025.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew shared a video message on his Facebook page with which began with the National Anthem of St Kitts and Nevis – O Land of Beauty and had greetings for the people of the twin island nation.
Reflecting on the past year’s challenges and achievements, Dr. Terrance Drew called 2025 a year of recovery, hoping for a better future for the people of St Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister Drew stated that 2025 will be a year that will be build on everyone’s collective resilience, a year when the seeds they have planted will bear fruit, and a year when progress will power them towards a stronger and brighter St Kitts and Nevis.
Highlighting challenges and achievements of 2024
Dr. Terrance Drew highlighted that the year gone was full of challenges like rising costs and economic uncertainty but with unity, resolve, and Government initiatives, they were able to improve the lives of every citizen of St Kitts and Nevis.
Sharing the details of the funds invested, PM Drew further stated that the Government invested $320 million to support necessary subsidies and social programs; an investment not in numbers but in the people of St Kitts and Nevis.
While focusing on the Federation’s work for the public, he shared that they kept the cost of fuel low at the pump and in homes, with low electricity prices so that every family could afford cooking gas, while expanding programs like LIFT (Livelihood, Improvement, Family, Transformation), so that every child is fed and no family is left behind.
Dr. Terrance Drew continued and said that they increased the national minimum wage to EC $430 per week, which is the highest in the history of the Federation. This has been done to restore dignity and to improve livelihoods while programs like Building Materials Reset and VAT Relief Holiday gave families power to build their homes and initiative like Budget Boost Wallet that allowed greater financial stability and support.
Launching major capital projects for a better economy in 2025
The Federation also launched major capital projects to form the foundation of a new resilient economy like the new Basseterre High School, to provide new modern facilities for students, investment in a $50 million desalination plants project that will provide 2 million gallons of potable water daily, securing water access for generations to come.
Prime Minister Drew shared that moving ahead, the vision for 2025 is more focused on economic diversification and sustainability.
The government is working to provide more than 100 homes to the people of Ottleys, Sandy Point and St. Peters, a growing necessity for the growing population.
St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme
With the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, the Federation is embracing the SEED initiative, a transformative economic model built on Sustainability, Empowerment, Education, and Development to unlock new industries, more job opportunities, and safe economy for coming generations.
Future Investments
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew shared that they are investing in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and the creative economy, making opportunities for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, and young people to utilize their talents and achieve financial independence.
Opportunities for the youth
With programs like Aspire and Elevate, the Federation is trying to create opportunities for the youth to learn, save, and earn, while improving their education, financial literacy, and skills training to succeed, and to reject crime and violence and to create a future with leaders, innovators, and builders.
Gratitude for the service class
He called the civil servants, farmers, teachers, health care workers, and business owners the backbone of the nation and without them it would be difficult for the society to function properly. PM further added, that for the service class the Federation will continue to invest in while providing fair wages, stable policies, and an economy where everyone can flourish.
Blueprint for 2025
Prime Minister Drew stated that the principles of their sustainable island state agenda – food security, renewable energy, economic diversification, sustainable industries, creative arts, social protection, and health resilience, are the national blueprint of progress and not just a vision.
Ending his address, he wished this year to be a year of blessings, success and new opportunities for everyone.
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.
