Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has unveiled an ambitious agenda for 2025, emphasising transparency, economic empowerment, and sustainability at his first Roundtable media briefing of the year on 7th January, 2025. Dr. Drew reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the pressing needs of citizens while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The tone of Tuesday’s press briefing highlighted the government’s dedication to open dialogue through platforms like the Roundtable, ensuring that citizens’ voices remain central to policy decisions. Dr. Drew credited foundational work from previous years for enabling the transformative change set to unfold in 2025, which he dubbed the “Year of Recovery.”
Celebrating Carnival and Tourism Success
The prime minister began by recognised the success of Sugar Mas, the largest and most vibrant Carnival in the nation’s history, praising Minister of Festivals, Samal Duggins, Director of Carnival, Clement O’Garro, Chair of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee, Shannon Hawley, and their teams for their efforts. He also acknowledged security forces and frontline workers for ensuring the safety of participants.
Meanwhile, preliminary reports have indicated that December saw record visitor arrivals, generating unprecedented economic benefits. Dr. Drew announced that a comprehensive economic impact assessment would soon be published to highlight Carnival’s contribution to national development.
The tourism sector is also seeing a strong resurgence, with over one million cruise visitors expected this season. Many hotels have also reported December occupancy rates exceeding 90 percent suggesting high numbers of overnight visitors over the holiday season.
Dr. Drew also revelaed that construction has commenced on the St. Kitts Ritz-Carlton Resort Hotel and Residences, a project realigned to support national development goals.
Economic Empowerment and Relief Initiatives
A significant announcement in December during the 2025 Budget debate was the launch of the Budget Boost Wallet (BBW), a programme designed to ease the rising cost of living. Dr. Drew reiterated that eligible individuals earning less than EC$5,000 per month will receive EC$1,500 over six months to cover essentials such as groceries, utilities, and mortgage payments.
The ASPIRE programme continues to empower citizens, with over 2,300 savings accounts opened at the National Bank since its launched in September 2024. Plans are in place to introduce financial literacy and investment training, fostering a generation of financially savvy citizens.
Dr. Drew also confirmed plans to raise the minimum wage in July 2025, reinforcing St. Kitts and Nevis’ position as a regional leader in workers’ rights.
Housing, Education, and Healthcare Advancements
The government’s housing revolution is also well underway, with nearly 100 affordable homes being constructed in communities such as Ottley’s, Sandy Point, and St. Peter’s. These new homes will add to the more than 100 homes already constructed since the Drew administration came to office in August 2022.
Construction of the new Basseterre High School is set to begin this quarter, promising state-of-the-art facilities which will finall address long-standing educational challenges faced by faculty and students for a decade.
Healthcare, he noted, remains a top priority, with ongoing construction of the climate-smart JNF General Hospital and the introduction of specialist services, upgraded medical facilities, and expanded equipment to revolutionise care. Dr. Drew also annonced welcome news that a fleet of Toyota ambulances will arrive in the country in the coming weeks.
Sustainability and Innovation
Water security remains a focus, with new solar-powered desalination plants set to produce over 2 million gallons of potable water daily by mid-year. The government’s efforts have already provided round the clock water access to Cayon and surrounding areas, with plans underway to address challenges in Taylor’s and other communities.
Advancing technology, the government has launched a cybersecurity certification programme to equip 100 nationals with globally competitive skills, further cementing its commitment to innovation and economic empowerment.
Addressing Crime and Agriculture Development
Dr. Drew, the country’s National Security minister, highlighted the success of the 2024 90-day Campaign Against Crime and Violence, which resulted in a 20% reduction in reported crimes and a 66% decrease in firearm-related homicides. He reaffirmed the importance of a public health approach to crime prevention, now gaining traction across the region. In 2025, the Citizen Security Secretariat will maintain the momentum it attained during the campaign with several new initiatives ready for roll out in the coming weeks.
The agricultural sector is also transforming, with innovative projects like the Tabasco Hot Pepper initiative contributing to food security, economic growth, and export opportunities.
A Vision for Collective Progress
As the government embarks on 2025, Prime Minister Drew reiterated his administration’s focus on collaboration, transparency, and empowerment to build a stronger, more resilient St. Kitts and Nevis.
“This is a year of recovery and progress,” Dr. Drew stated. “Together, we will continue to overcome challenges, embrace innovation, and create opportunities for all citizens.”
The comprehensive plans outlined in the briefing reflect a clear vision to ensure that economic growth, sustainability, and social development remain at the heart of the Federation’s transformation.
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