Drew-led Government Delivering for St. Peters Bus Operators After Years of Neglect

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 13th, 2025 (PMO)— Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has
reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the long-standing concerns of St. Peters
bus operators, who were neglected by previous administrations. Speaking during the January 8,
2025, Round Table, Dr. Drew detailed the government’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of St.
Peters bus operators, highlighting the critical infrastructure improvements already achieved and the
plans underway to fulfill further promises.

“St. Peters bus operators were abandoned by the previous administration. For years, no
road improvements were made, and no plans were developed to provide the essential
infrastructure that bus operators need in one of the fastest-growing communities outside
Basseterre. This neglect not only increased operational costs but also placed undue
hardship on the bus operators and commuters alike.”

The Prime Minister underscored the progress made since his administration took office,
noting that two of the three key promises to St. Peters bus operators have already been
fulfilled. This includes the completion of significant road improvements and the
implementation of a long-overdue increase in bus fares. “We undertook a data-driven
approach to ensure that the fare increase was both fair and justifiable. This adjustment
was necessary to account for the rising costs faced by bus operators and to ensure the
sustainability of their operations,” Dr. Drew explained.

On the critical issue of establishing a bus terminal for St. Peters, Dr. Drew outlined the
government’s proactive efforts to secure suitable land in the College Street area. Despite
the challenges of exorbitant pricing demands from a private landowner, the Prime Minister
expressed his administration’s determination to deliver on this promise. “We approached
the private owner with a reasonable offer, even exceeding the market price to ensure
progress, but what was being asked was multiple times the value of the land,” he stated.
“While this has delayed construction, we are committed to finding a solution for the people
and bus operators of St. Peters.”

Dr. Drew emphasized the broader importance of ensuring that no community is left behind
in the nation’s development efforts. He pointed out that under previous administrations, St.
Peters was disproportionately excluded from key infrastructure projects that benefitted
other regions, including road repairs and the construction of bus stations. “St. Peters is the
largest and one of the fastest-growing areas outside Basseterre, yet it was consistently
overlooked. My administration will not allow any community to be left behind. We are
delivering for St. Peters, and we will continue working until every promise is fulfilled.”

The Prime Minister also commended the residents and bus operators of St. Peters for their
resilience in the face of years of neglect, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to
empowering communities and improving public infrastructure. “St. Peters deserves better,
and this administration will ensure that the investments needed to enhance the quality of
life and economic opportunities are realized,” he concluded.

As the government continues its work to address historical inequalities in infrastructure
development, the residents and bus operators of St. Peters can look forward to receiving
their fair share of investment, reflecting the administration’s commitment to fairness,
progress, and inclusivity across St. Kitts and Nevis.
To learn more about the government’s achievements and successes, visit
www.gov.kn/national-accomplishments.