SKN leads CARICOM/OECS in UNDP Human Development Report

The recently published 2023/2024 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report (HDR) indicates that St. Kitts and Nevis remains ahead of its Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) counterparts in respect of human development.

Released in March 2024 under the title, “Breaking the Gridlock: Re-imagining Cooperation in a Polarized World”, St. Kitts and Nevis successfully managed to pull ahead of its 2021 Human Development Index (HDI) score by 0.006 percent to 0.838 in 2023.

Of the 193 countries evaluated in the HDR, St. Kitts and Nevis’ HDI rating places the nation at 51.

The HDR produced by the UNDP evaluates countries’ average achievements in three basic aspects of human development: health, knowledge and standard of living.

St. Kitts and Nevis was recognised, in particular, for its implementation of progressive education and health policies, which have been key to improving the lives of those who reside here.

Earlier this week in response to the positive report, the Federation’s prime minister, Dr. Terrance Drew said, “This is a proud moment for all Kittitians and Nevisians. My government’s commitment to fostering an environment where education and health are accessible to all has paved the way for this remarkable achievement. It is a testament to our collective efforts and the indomitable spirit of our people. We are number one again and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain our leadership in human development within CARICOM.”

On Thursday, a government issued statement on the UNDP HDR said, “St. Kitts and Nevis’ [government] remains dedicated to sustaining and expanding on these gains through continuous investment in its people. The focus on innovative and inclusive policies… is expected to drive further progress in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for all citizens.”

It continued, “[As] St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates this achievement, it reaffirms its commitment to building a brighter future for every Kittitian and Nevisian, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of human development in the Caribbean and beyond as it transforms into a sustainable island state.”