In an inspiring address at the 2025 New Year Gala, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew laid out an ambitious vision for St. Kitts and Nevis, again declaring 2025 as the “Year of Recovery.” Under the theme “Building Prosperity Through Sustainability,” the prime minister celebrated the nation’s resilience and outlined plans to power progress through economic diversification, social development, and sustainability initiatives.
Reflecting on the challenges of 2024, Dr. Drew noted his administration’s success in turning adversity into opportunity. “We demonstrated our resolve to transform challenges into achievements,” he stated.
Highlighting a significant milestone, he noted that tourism arrivals surged by 26%, with over 1 million cruise visitors projected for the 2024-2025 season. He credited this growth to strategic efforts, including the transformation of the Citizenship by Investment Programme, which safeguarded the country’s visa-free access to Europe and the United Kingdom while boosting economic standing.
A Transformative 2024 and Promising 2025
Dr. Drew detailed achievements that laid the foundation for recovery. Among the accomplishments were the commissioning of new water wells, providing 24-hour water access in key areas, and the initiation of two solar-powered desalination plants capable of delivering over 2 million gallons of water daily. Over 100 affordably priced homes were completed, ushering in a new era of climate-smart homes.
In social development, the government launched the ASPIRE programme, empowering 2,300 young people since September 2024. Measures to address crime and violence also yielded results, with the 90-Day Campaign Against Crime and Violence reducing firearm-related homicides by 66% and crime by 20% in the final quarter of 2024.
“These initiatives are not isolated acts but part of our broader agenda to ensure that no one is left behind,” Prime Minister Drew said.
Commitment to the Future
Looking forward, Dr. Drew outlined plans for economic diversification, including renewable energy, agricultural innovation, and expanding the creative economy. “The Tabasco Hot Pepper Project positions St. Kitts and Nevis as a leader in agricultural innovation, while our cybersecurity certification programme will equip citizens with high-demand digital skills,” he announced.
Other major advancements that lie ahead include the coming construction of the Basseterre High School, while in healthcare the country can look forward to the completion of the new MRI facility at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, and the St. Peter’s Polyclinic, promising enhanced access to critical services.
The prime minister praised civil servants, teachers, healthcare workers, and other essential professionals for their contributions, emphasising plans to continue improving wages and working conditions. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing social challenges such as crime, stressing the importance of holistic security encompassing economic, social, and personal well-being.
The Way Forward
Dr. Drew called on all citizens and residents, both at home and abroad, to join in the national effort to power progress. “Each of us has a role to play, whether through entrepreneurship, community service, or simply being active and informed citizens,” he said. “Together, we can build a stronger, brighter, and more sustainable St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Ending on a hopeful note, he toasted to resilience, recovery, and growth, celebrating the nation’s achievements while looking toward a prosperous future. “This is our moment to turn ambition into action and vision into reality,” he concluded.
The gala marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformative year, with St. Kitts and Nevis charting a bold course toward sustainability and prosperity.
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