Last Updated on April 9, 2026, 11:54 AM AST by Anthony Morris
To strengthen the twin’s island healthcare system administration of St. Kitts and Nevis has taken initiative to reinstate the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programme. The associate degree which was part of the offered course is being deliberated for reinstation at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC).
On Wednesday 8, April 2026 Prime Minister and Minister of Health Dr. Terrance Drew made the call for the Associate degree to be offered again. He also expressed his support for the initiative, as he believes it will be a strategic method to improve the ongoing shortage of locally trained nurses.
He further stated that implementation of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College was a deep sense of national purpose and the initiative will have his full support.
The Prime Minister mentioned that for them it is a must to work towards the Sustainable Island State Agenda. He also highlighted 32the importance of a homegrown healthcare workforce. He believes that international healthcare professionals help in development but for long-term resilience the island should be dependent on local capacity.
According to Dr. Terrance Drew healthcare is a fundamental right and a strong and healthy nursing workforce will work on that vision of the administration. He said investment in building a homegrown workforce will be great because nurses from our nation know and understand our community, culture, and unique health landscape.
On the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programme, the Prime Minister said it will be a forward thinking solution which complements the existing educational pathways. He said, “The ADN Programme is not a step backward; it is a pragmatic and forward-thinking solution”. The program will offer a feature including competency-based, patient -centred pathway which technically produced confident, skilled and compassionate nurses across the twin islands.
According to administration officials, the program will reduce reliance on overseas recruitment, will create meaningful opportunities for young people, and increase the annual output of qualified nurses in the nation.
Additionally, Dr Terrence Drew also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health, St. Christopher and Nevis Nurses, Nursing Leadership, Midwives Council and other stakeholders in making the initiative possible in the St. Kitts and Nevis.
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.
