Prime Minister Drew: “Politicians Must Be Kept in Check!”

Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 30, 2026 (PMO) – Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, declaring that persons entrusted with public office must remain answerable to the people whom they serve.

During a wide-ranging presentation in the National Assembly on Thursday, July 30, Prime Minister Drew reflected on the steps taken by the Government since entering office in August 2022 to strengthen the country’s governance framework and restore public confidence in national institutions.

The Prime Minister pointed specifically to the passage and implementation of the Integrity in Public Life legislation, which requires public officials to declare their financial affairs and provides a mechanism through which unexplained accumulation of wealth can be scrutinized.“And so, we set a path to establish a proper foundation for good governance, accountability, transparency, and integrity in public office when we passed the integrity in public life bill,” Prime Minister Drew told the National Assembly.

The legislation, the Prime Minister noted, represents an important safeguard against the misuse of public office and helps to ensure that those who are elected or appointed to serve the country do not use their positions for personal enrichment. “Once a year I have to fill out my form and show my money, and all of us have to do it. And if there is a sense that there is a rapid gain of wealth that is unaccounted for, you can be held responsible,” the Prime Minister stated. 

Prime Minister Drew said his administration treated the passage of the legislation as an early priority because accountability could not be postponed or regarded as secondary to the work of government.

“Yes, it has to be passed. Politicians must be kept in check. The people must know that who they hire to be in office should not be able to steal their resources,” he said.

The Prime Minister contrasted the Government’s action with the record of the former administration, which he said failed to pass and operationalise Integrity in Public Life legislation despite repeated promises of good governance.

According to Prime Minister Drew, the absence of an effective accountability framework created conditions in which public officials were not required to provide the level of financial disclosure and scrutiny expected of persons entrusted with the management of the people’s resources.

He argued that good governance must be demonstrated through action and cannot be reduced to political slogans or promises made for the purpose of attaining office.

Reflecting on the collapse of the former coalition administration, Prime Minister Drew said the episode underscored the importance of political arrangements being built on shared principles, trust and a genuine commitment to serving the people. “Every concoction falls apart. True unity does not,” he stated.

The Prime Minister said political disagreements and failures of leadership do not affect politicians alone, as the consequences are ultimately borne by citizens, the economy and the country’s international reputation.

He noted that persons elected to public office are entrusted with responsibility for national resources, public institutions and the overall development of St Kitts and Nevis. They must therefore be prepared to account for their decisions, conduct and stewardship.

As the Government approaches the fourth anniversary of its election to office on August 5, Prime Minister Drew said the administration remains committed to strengthening the institutions of democracy, protecting public resources and ensuring that elected and appointed officials are held to the highest standards of integrity.

The post Prime Minister Drew: “Politicians Must Be Kept in Check!” appeared first on SKNIS.