Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley has delivered a comprehensive update on the government’s performance in housing, education, and senior citizen support, highlighting a wave of developmental gains across St. Kitts and Nevis. Speaking at a Cabinet Press Conference on 22nd July, 2025, Dr. Hanley outlined the administration’s continued commitment to human capital development and improving the quality of life for citizens.
At the heart of the update was the government’s affordable housing programme. Dr. Hanley reported that 183 homes had already been completed across the Federation, surpassing the 164 homes built during the comparable three-year period under the former administration. An additional 75 homes are currently under construction, including a four-unit apartment building on East Street and an eight-unit complex on West Street.
“In Harry Phipps, Ottley’s Village, Sandy Point, and Race Course, we’re clustering homes that will add 50 more units,” said Dr. Hanley. “All being well, long before this year is done, 326 homes would be either completed or near completion.”
The West Street development will consist of five buildings, each with eight apartments, comprising 22 two-bedroom units, four three-bedroom units, four one-bedroom units, and four special studios for building supervisors. Inspired by a “New York-style concept,” these supervisory units are designed to house maintenance and security staff.
In addition, a nearly EC $1 million renovation project has upgraded conditions at the Wades Garden Housing Project.
The Deputy Prime Minister also focused on care for the elderly, sharing plans to expand active daycare programmes for seniors, which already operate in East Basseterre, St. Peter’s, and St. Paul’s. These programmes involve a mix of recreational and spiritual activities such as arts and crafts, dominoes, kite-making, and devotional sessions.
On the education front, Dr. Hanley confirmed ongoing work on major infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited reconstruction of Basseterre High School and new buildings at Joshua Obediah Williams Primary in Molineux. He also celebrated the allocation of 28 Taiwan scholarships—“the most we have ever had”—and continued government support for students at Monroe College, UWI, and other institutions.
He announced a landmark partnership with the Open University of Tanzania, which will provide 24 local teachers with full scholarships to pursue bachelor’s degrees in education—making St. Kitts and Nevis the first country in the Caribbean to establish such a relationship. Talks are also progressing with the Open University of Kenya for future Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships.
“Next month, we’ll see the first cohort of students receive their NVQ certificates,” Dr. Hanley said, marking a milestone in the Federation’s vocational development efforts.
In early childhood care, Dr. Hanley announced that providers can now be licensed as formal businesses and access loans—a first for the sector. In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the early childhood system, new vacation provisions for caregivers have also been introduced.
Addressing school infrastructure, he acknowledged that many facilities were found in a dilapidated state and outlined extensive upgrades being undertaken during the summer. Curricular reform is also in motion, with local history set to be introduced across all levels of education, in partnership with UNESCO.
Dr. Hanley expressed deep appreciation for the continued support from UNESCO, regional partners, and Ambassador Dr. Dwayne Doyle, who helped facilitate many of these initiatives.
Through his ministry, Dr. Hanley reaffirmed the government’s focus on equity, quality services, and sustainable development. “We are delivering not just promises but results,” he concluded.
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