Author: SKNISEditor

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 21, 2023 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Rt. Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, today participated in the Third Meeting of the CARICOM-Canada Foreign Ministers’ Group which was held on the margins of the 53rd Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS). The meeting, which was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Hon. Mélanie Joly, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica and Chair of COFCOR, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith, focused on priority areas of collaboration between CARICOM and Canada, including climate…

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, June 21, 2023: Canada’s Minister of International Development, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan is the new Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Minister Sajjan, who succeeds Saint Lucian Prime Minister, the Honourable Phillip Pierre, accepted the mantel at the closing ceremony of the Bank’s 53rd Annual Meeting held today in Saint Lucia. The incoming Chairman signalled that “partnership and inclusion” are principles he will champion, and said Canada remains committed to working in close partnership with the Caribbean on climate resilience, economic growth, and responsive governance. “Much of our work together will also be…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 21, 2023 (SKNIS): Senator, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, said that the Smoking (Designated Area) Bill, 2023, which was successfully passed in the Federal Parliament on June 20, falls in line with several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those that promote health, justice, and human rights among others. “Madam Speaker, this Bill is about justice, peace and the rule of law. When it comes to smoking in designated spaces and Rastafarian rights, it is about justice,” said Dr. Clarke. “Agenda 20/30 of the Sustainable Development Goals speaks to leaving no one behind – this…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 21, 2023 (SKNIS): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for Ecclesiastical and Faith-Based Affairs, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley apologized to the Rastafarian community for years of societal oppression and religious persecution that they have suffered throughout the history of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. “Apologies without actions are of no use to anyone. Our action today in moving for a safe passage of this Bill is one of the many steps this government plans to take to make things right for our Rasta brothers and sisters, elders and empresses,” said Dr. Hanley during…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs et al invites the public to the online course, Multi-Camera Production for Virtual Studio (MCP) for Virtual Studio (CODE:CM23PEM-03). The modality of course being offered is “in-person”. The organisers will cover accommodation, meals, and return airfare costs, and provide a daily allowance for participants. It is slated to be held over the period 19-27 October, 2023, and targets mid and senior-level government officials involved in the maritime industry or related government agencies, departments and organisations. Interested individuals must complete the attached Application and Recommendation forms, and submit them along with a copy of their passport (all pages and coloured), passport-sized photo (3.5cm x 5cm & against a…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, June 21, 2023 (SKNIS) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis passed a suite of legislation in the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, all with the intention of creating a more inclusive society in the twin island Federation, which respects the rights and freedoms of all citizens and residents.The four bills passed were the Smoking (Designated Areas) Bill, 2023 and the Drugs (Prevention and Abatement of the Misuse and Abuse of Drugs) (Amendment) Bill, 2023, both of which were moved by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill, 2023 and the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis)…

BASSETERRE (21st June, 2023): The St. Kitts Music Festival is excited to share that the St. Kitts Electricity Company Limited (SKELEC), the sole provider of electricity in St. Kitts, has signed on as a Platinum Sponsor for the 25th Anniversary of the highly anticipated event. Chairman of the festival’s Executive Committee, Allister Williams, is thrilled to collaborate with SKELEC to make the 3-day extravaganza an experience like no other. “We extend our sincere appreciation for your sponsorship, which not only bolsters the local economy, but also enables a spectacular event that resonates with both residents and tourists. Thank you for your valuable support.” Williams remarked.…

No. 13:2023 21 June 2023Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. On Wednesday, 21 June 2023, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), sitting in Guyana, delivered its judgment for the special leave application, AB v The Director of Public Prosecutions [2023] CCJ 8 (AJ) GY. The CCJ denied the Applicant special leave to appeal to the CCJ to review a decision of the Court of Appeal of Guyana, which had affirmed the imposition of two concurrent life sentences on him. The Applicant will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years of the sentence. The Applicant was charged with two counts of sexual activity…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 21, 2023 (SKNIS): The Federal Parliament of St. Kitts and Nevis gave its support to the Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill, 2023, and the Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Bill, 2023, on Tuesday, June 20, as the draft legislation moved through the House for their second and third readings thereby being passed unopposed. The Bills were successfully piloted by the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Ecclesiastical and Faith-based Affairs.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ecclesiastical and Faith-Based Affairs, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley The Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill, 2023, provides for the process of…

Tuesday, June 20, 2023 — The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and The Geneva Institute for Water, Environment and Health (GIWEH) have announced plans to collaborate on a number of initiatives to address water and environmental challenges in the Eastern Caribbean region. The collaboration was announced following a meeting between Dr. Nidal Salim, CEO of GIWEH, and Ambassador Colin Murdoch, Permanent Observer for the OECS to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva on June 12, 2023. GIWEH is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development and effective water resource management. In the main, the meeting…