Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s 2025 New Year message inspired citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis to join in resilience and embrace the opportunities ahead. Reflecting on the trials of 2024, he declared 2025 “The Year of Recovery” and shared a roadmap for national progress built on collective strength and sustainable development.
“I invite you to reflect on how far we have come and to embrace with open hearts the promise of the year ahead, a year we have boldly declared the year of recovery. It is a year that will build on our collective resilience, a year when the seeds we have planted will be a fruit and a year when progress will power us toward a stronger and brighter St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Dr. Drew as he opened his national address.
Dr. Drew acknowledged the economic challenges of 2024, including rising costs and global uncertainties. However, he highlighted the government’s decisive actions in mitigating these pressures.
“Your government invested a historic $320 million to support essential subsidies and social programmes,” he stated. “From fuel subsidies to stabilising electricity costs, expanding the LIFT programme, and ensuring affordable cooking gas, these initiatives were designed to ease the burdens of living costs for families and businesses alike.”
Dr. Drew emphasised the unprecedented increase in the national minimum wage to EC $430 per week, calling it a critical step toward restoring dignity and improving livelihoods. He also praised initiatives like the VAT Relief Holiday and Building Materials Reset for empowering families to invest in their homes and futures.
A Vision for 2025: Progress Through Sustainability
Looking ahead, the prime minister shared an ambitious agenda for economic diversification and sustainability. He outlined key investments in renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, and the creative economy, aimed at unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, and young people.
“Our youth, the heartbeat of our Federation, have boundless potential,” Dr. Drew declared. “Through programmes like Aspire and Elevate, we are equipping them with education, financial literacy, and skills training to achieve financial independence and reject the shadow of crime and violence.”
The country’s leader also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fair wages, stable policies, and social protections for all citizens, including civil servants, seniors, and vulnerable groups. He described the sustainable island state agenda as the nation’s blueprint for progress, with pillars such as food security, renewable energy, and creative industries driving long-term growth.
A Call for Unity and Collaboration
Dr. Drew urged citizens to take an active role in the recovery process, emphasising that national progress requires collective effort.
“Recovery is not the work of the government alone. It is the work of all of us,” he said. “Together, we will thrive. Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient St. Kitts and Nevis, a nation that stands tall and proud among the global community.”
Ending his address on a hopeful note, he wished blessings, success, and new opportunities for all in 2025.
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