Last Updated on February 4, 2023, 11:42 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, was a part of a special interview hosted on February 3, 2023. During the interview, Prime Minister interacted with the media on several matters of national importance. This media interaction differed from all the other interactions the Drew-led administration has faced in their tenure.
According to the prime minister, this was the first time he was sitting in front of a panel of media professionals and opened the floor for questions. One of the most critical issues of national importance is national security. Concerning this, the Prime Minister and Minister of Social Security expressed that he felt disheartened upon hearing about the growing incidents of crime and violence in the federation.
Meanwhile, he assured the media that St Kitts and Nevis’s law enforcement agencies are working diligently to remedy the situation. He urged the public to understand that the government is doing everything that they need to do to deal with the situation. Prime Minister Terrance Drew noted that loss of life is a “special loss of life.”
Further, the Prime Minister shifted to the issue of healthcare and the development of the sector. According to Dr Terrance Drew, the minister of health, the essential prerequisite to the healthcare sector’s growth is that top-level management is in place. Accordingly, the Prime Minister noted that the healthcare sector had made several new appointments under his governance. These appointments include New Permanent Secretary for Health, Principal Nursing Officer.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew elaborated on the other developments. He stated that the government seeks to ensure that the JNF General Hospital will have at least two doctors working per shift. He noted that from Saturday, February 4, 2023, the hospitals would have nurses in triage to decrease the wait time.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that he received an independent forensic audit which detailed that the management of the development bank is troubling. He also told the media about the installation ceremony of the first female governor-general while noting that St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party remains at the forefront of the revolution in the country.
He further took questions from the media, reiterating his commitment to deal with violence and crime in the federation. Elaborating on the measures that the government is taking up in this regard, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew noted that:
- The police commission is undergoing a major change
- The government will appoint a new commissioner
- The government is installing a deputy commissioner of police
- The government will put in the Assistant Commissioner of Police
- They will strengthen the police command by establishing a chain of command.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew noted that with these changes, the government is seeking to protect the people of the country
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.
