Prime Minister Drew: Climate Change Demands Urgent Action as Federation Faces Severe Drought
Basseterre, St Kitts, June 11, 2026 (PMO) – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, who also as responsibility for the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), Hon Dr. Terrance Drew, has underscored the urgent need for decisive climate action as St Kitts and Nevis confronts one of the most severe droughts in recent history, stressing that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality affecting the lives of citizens and residents across the Federation.
Addressing the National Assembly today, on Thursday, June 11, Prime Minister Drew described the ongoing drought as a significant national challenge driven by a combination of factors, including the effects of El Niño and the broader impacts of global climate change. He noted that rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and increasingly unpredictable weather events continue to place tremendous pressure on the Federation’s water resources.
The Prime Minister explained that the current conditions reinforce the importance of the Government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA), which was developed to proactively address emerging climate-related challenges and build national resilience.
“Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and increasingly unpredictable weather events are realities that small island developing states, such as ours, must now confront with urgency and determination,” he stated.
Prime Minister Drew also acknowledged the hardships being experienced by households, businesses and communities as a result of the drought, while assuring the nation that the Government remains fully engaged in responding to the crisis.
“We understand frustration and inconvenience that families, businesses, and communities are facing. This government, however, does not minimize those concerns. These are serious concerns. We recognize that, and we are responding to them with seriousness and dissolve,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted that climate resilience has remained a central pillar of the Government’s agenda since taking office in August 2022. He reminded that the administration immediately prioritized investments aimed at strengthening water security after reviewing forecasts that warned of increasing drought conditions and water shortages.
“We were only elected in 2022 and right away we got to work, Madam Speaker, because we knew when we went into office, we picked up what was on the desk, which was a forecast that showed that St Kitts and Nevis would experience significant drought, water shortages, and that is why we invested so much from day one,” he stated.
Among the Government’s interventions are extensive drilling programs, the construction of a major desalination plant, upgrades to water distribution infrastructure, and the installation of new pipelines and pumping systems designed to increase production and improve reliability across the island.
Prime Minister Drew emphasized that the Federation’s response to climate change must be rooted in planning, resilience-building and long-term investments.
“Our objective remains clear to build a modern, resilient, and sustainable water system capable of delivering reliable access to water for every citizen and resident of Saint Kitts and Nevis,” he said.
The Government continues to work closely with regional and international partners, including the Republic of China (Taiwan), whose support has assisted in advancing critical water security projects.
As climate change continues to affect small island developing states throughout the Caribbean, the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis remains committed to implementing practical solutions that strengthen resilience, protect communities and safeguard essential resources for future generations.
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