Author: SKNISEditor

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 17, 2025 (SKNIS): Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, has presented a proposed budget allocation of EC$1.075 billion for 2026, outlining a comprehensive investment framework aimed at strengthening governance, accelerating economic growth, and advancing the Sustainable Island State Agenda. Speaking during the 2026 Budget Address on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Prime Minister Drew emphasised that the proposed allocations reflect a disciplined and coordinated approach to national development. He noted that the 2026 Estimates are designed to translate long-term planning into measurable outcomes, with spending guided by the National Development Planning Framework…

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 17, 2025 (SKNIS) – In his 2026 Budget Address delivered on December 16, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens through significant financial investment in the Ministry of National Security, Citizenship, and Immigration. A total of $97.3 million has been allocated to the ministry for the upcoming fiscal year, with the primary focus being on enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, improving infrastructure, and implementing modern technologies to safeguard communities across Saint Kitts and Nevis. As…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 16, 2025 (SKNIS): In a major step to strengthen social protection and support the well-being of public servants, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, announced the introduction of expanded lifetime health insurance coverage for employees of the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, effective December 01, 2025. Speaking during the 2026 Budget Address, Prime Minister Drew described the initiative as a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to invest in people and deliver meaningful improvements in quality of life. Under the enhanced arrangement, Government employees are now covered by an…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 17, 2025 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, has taken an unprecedented step in public administration, marking the first time in the history of any government that a double salary payment has been issued with clearly defined exclusions aimed at strengthening fiscal responsibility. Prime Minister Drew, in outlining the details of this year’s arrangement, announced specific caveats to the double salary payment. Under the new framework, Ministers of Government and Government Advisors will be excluded from receiving the additional salary. The…

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 16, 2025 (PMO) — Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has announced the payment of an additional month’s salary, commonly referred to as a “double salary” for civil servants and other qualifying groups, as he concluded his 2026 Budget Address in the National Assembly, today, Tuesday 16th December, 2025. The announcement, delivered in the closing moments of the presentation, was framed as a deliberate and prudent measure, rooted in the Government’s people-centred approach and recognition of the dedication of public sector workers. Emphasising the contribution of those who keep the country functioning, Prime…

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 16, 2025 (SKNIS)The 2026 Budget Address, delivered by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, set a clear and purposeful course for the continued advancement of St. Kitts and Nevis under the theme “Investing in People and Progress.” Presenting the Bill shortly entitled the Appropriation Act (2026), 2025, in the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 16, Prime Minister Drew acknowledged that the Federation continues to operate within a “complex” and often “volatile global environment.” Despite these challenges, he affirmed that the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration has remained resilient and focused, meeting the demands of 2025,…

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 15, 2025 (SKNIS): The High Court of Justice, Saint Christopher Circuit, today handed down sentences in two serious criminal matters involving violent offences, following convictions earlier this year. In Case SKBHCR 2024/0018, Justice Iain Morley KC sentenced Shakeim Cranston, also known as “Shaq” and “Little Nuzzle,” to 63 years’ imprisonment for the murder of Darnell Govia, which occurred on 20 June 2017. Mr. Cranston was convicted by a unanimous jury verdict after trial. The Court found that the killing was wholly premeditated, carried out with a firearm, and occurred in a public hospital setting, placing members of…

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 15, 2025 (SKNIS): Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew has fulfilled his public commitment made during last month’s national roundtable discussions by formally establishing an ad hoc Advisory Committee to review the Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act, 2025 (“SSZA Act”).During the roundtable engagement, the Prime Minister assured citizens that an independent, representative body would be created to carefully examine the legislation, address public concerns, and ensure that the Act is implemented in a transparent and accountable manner. The establishment of the Advisory Committee marks the delivery on that promise.The Advisory Committee has been tasked with reviewing…

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis, December 15, 2025: The National Cost-of-Living Task Force presents this 2025 recap as part of the Government’s continued commitment to enhancing household purchasing power, improving market transparency and responding decisively to global cost pressures. Throughout the year, the Task Force applied data-driven analysis, cross-agency collaboration and public engagement to deliver targeted interventions that provided direct relief to citizens while supporting economic stability. The Budget Boost Wallet (BBW) was the most visible and impactful cost-of-living intervention in 2025. A total of EC$36.6 million was disbursed to 23,236 beneficiaries, with EC$3.3 million remaining in citizens’ digital wallets…

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 12, 2025 (SKNIS): Water relief is on the way for users in Basseterre and surrounding communities as testing for the new two-million-gallon Desalination Plant in Bird Rock is almost complete. Officials at the Water Service Department and Royal Utilities have expressed great confidence in the reverse osmosis project, which has consistently passed microbiological and other testing. Royal Utilities Ltd. is partnering with the government on this crucial project. The company manages the desalination solution for the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. At a National Discussion on Water held on December 10 at the CUNA Conference Room, General…