POST CABINET BRIEFING FOR MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 28, 2025 (SKNIS): Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, the Cabinet convened on Monday, January 27, 2025, to discuss and advance key policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of all citizens and residents.
The Ministry of Education presented plans for a ground breaking National Training Institute, which will merge the Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC), Project Strong, and the National Skills Training Programme (NSTP). This institute will revolutionise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Federation by offering demand-driven, competency-based education aligned with international occupational standards. The proposed institute will deliver National and Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/CVQ) from Levels 1 to 8, as well as diplomas and associate degrees in fields such as renewable energy, aquaculture, animation, music production, and maritime transport.
Additionally, it will include a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) programme. Designed to promote personal, social, and economic development, the institute will offer flexible and inclusive education pathways. Its structure and certification framework will extend to NVQ Level 8, equivalent to a doctoral qualification, ensuring the Federation’s workforce is equipped with globally competitive skills. The presentation was delivered by Dr Kertney Thompson, CEO of the TVET Council Secretariat, and Mrs Lisa Romayne-Pistana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
The Cabinet also received an update on the Sustainable Modernized Administrative Revenue and Taxation System (SMARTS), which has replaced the legacy SIGTAS system. Presented by Mr. Edward Gift, Comptroller of the Inland Revenue Department, the new system is designed to modernise government revenue collection and improve service delivery for individuals and businesses. SMARTS includes an online self-service portal for taxpayers, an integrated cash register for real-time payment processing, and streamlined services through its seamless integration with the Traffic Department’s Motor Vehicle and Driver License System.
During the stabilisation phase, challenges related to system performance and data quality were identified and addressed through infrastructure upgrades, code updates, and session optimisation. These interventions have already enhanced efficiency, with ongoing efforts focused on performance monitoring and data quality assurance. SMARTS is set to significantly boost revenue collection, while simplifying compliance processes, benefiting both the government and private sector stakeholders.
The Cabinet is proud to announce the designation of Dr Ricardo R. Neil as a Goodwill Ambassador for Science and Technology. Dr. Neil, a distinguished expert in mechanical and industrial technology and Chairman of both the St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN) and OECS Robotics Associations, has devoted his career to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and its expanded version, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). In this new role, Dr. Neil will promote the integration of science and technology into education, foster entrepreneurship in the technology sector, and support renewable energy initiatives, including solar photovoltaic and geothermal energy projects. Dr. Neil will also work to position St. Kitts and Nevis as a leader in science, technology, and sustainable development on the world stage.
The Cabinet also approved the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to create safer roads across the Federation by addressing deficiencies in the existing legislative framework. The Bill introduces enhanced penalties for traffic violations, modernises enforcement by incorporating technology, and implements road safety incentives alongside increased fines. These changes will be tabled for debate during the upcoming Sitting of the National Assembly on January 30, 2025.
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