Last Updated on October 18, 2024, 5:54 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew shed light on the plans and transformative project that will be taken place in St Kitts and Nevis to fulfill Sustainable Island State Agenada. Speaking during a press conference, he noted that the government will focus on the construction, tourism, health sector, agriculture and sustainability for the next two to three years.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew outlined that the Citizenship by Investment Programme will serve as one of the pillars to fulfill the sustainable goals over the next two to three years. He added that the government anticipated a significant economic boom in construction, tourism, agriculture and sustainability projects.
He asserted,”We have a plan. A boom is coming to Saint Kitts and Nevis. For the past two years, we have been planting the SEED for our Sustainable Island State Agenda. Now, it is time to water that SEED, so the plant of prosperity and sustainability can flourish.”
PM Drew noted that the government aimed for higher thinngs so that every citizen has the chance not only to survive but to thrive—where they aspire to become their best selves and, ultimately, to be self-sustaining.
According to the PM Drew, the transformative projects that are underway in St Kitts and Nevis will include
JNF Climate-Smart General Hospital
The work has been progressing rapidly on the hospital as Prime Minister Dr Drew stressed that the facility will serve as one of the initiatives for the hurricane-resistant, modern and sustainable agenda. It will invite healthcare professionals at home and transform it into one of the leading hospitals in the Caribbean.
New Basseterre High School
Another project will be allocated to the reformation of the education sector as the construction of the high school will take place on Victoria Road. It will be funded by the CBI Programme, featuring world-class educational. The construction is expected to be commenced by the second quarter of 2025.
Smart Homes Initiatives
The steps will be funded by CIBC Caribbean, providing homes to the people in St Kitts and Nevis. Construction on the homes has been started, employing hundreds of local workforces at the site. Around 100 homes that are climate smart will be constructed by the end of 2024.
2 million gallon per day Basseterre Desalination Plant
The final pre-construction stage of the project will also provide fresh and consistent water to the people by the third quarter of 2025. It will create numerous construction jobs and permanent positions as it is expected to be opened next year.
The Needmust Power Plant Expansion
The plan which is funded by the Saudi Fund will feature the modern and fuel-efficient techniques to generate electricity. It will be helpful in reducing carbon footprints and provide stable energy supply to the homes and local businesses.
Agriculture Sector
The government has collaborated with Tobasco to strengthen farmers with techniques to cultivate high-quality peppers for export. It is aimed at enhancing the export and reducing the reliance on the foreign products, supporting 25 by 25% agenda of the Caribbean countries.
PM Drew mentioned,”Our agricultural sector is also undergoing a transformation, as we seek to reduce our dependence on imports and empower our local farmers.”
Geothermal Energy
In collaboration with Nevis Island Administration, the geothermal energy power plant will be constructed in St Kits and Nevis to reduce the impact of the climate change on the small island nations.
The Reinvigoration of Kittitian Hill
The Kittian Hill will be improved to enhance the tourism offerings of St Kitts and Nevis.
Redevelopment of Christopher Harbour
The discussions are underway to invest in the Christopher Harbour, aiming to enhance the high-end tourism and placing St Kitts and Nevis as an ideal tourism destination in the Caribbean.
The Prime Creative Arts Centre
Aiming to support the traditional and rich culture of St Kitts and Nevis, the centre will serve as the platform for the artistes to explore new fields in the field and promote the cultural pride.
In addition to that, PM Drew also outlined that the government of St Kitts and Nevis has implemented numerous steps to safeguard and protect their CBI Programme. He added that after assuming the office in 2022, the government has taken comprehensive initiatives to prevent its visa-free access to UK, and the EU which was on the brink of suspension after the reputation of St Kitts and Nevis was maligned by Prison Project of previous administration.
After assuming office on August 5, 2022, PM Drew added that the government started the full investigation into the programme and outlined a report in October 2022, highlighting the loopholes in the functioning of the CBI.
In order to mitigate those loopholes, PM Drew announced that he visited Dubai on December 1, 2022, to outline the reformation plans for the CBI Programme that were purely based on the principles of Sustainability and Good Governance.
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.
