Prime Minister Drew Emphasizes Transformative Measures to Strengthen St. Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 9th, 2025 (PMO)—During his first engagement with the
media for the new year—2025, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew reaffirmed his
administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable future for
St. Kitts and Nevis.

Briefly, Prime Minister Drew provided a comprehensive overview of his government’s
achievements in 2024 and outlined bold plans for continued transformation in 2025,
highlighting the importance of unity, transparency, and decisive action in securing the
nation’s economic stability and future.

“In 2024, we faced challenges, but this administration has shown that through unity and
decisive action, we can overcome and achieve transformative results. Our focus remains
on diversifying the economy, modernizing infrastructure, and addressing pressing national
issues. This is a government that puts people first, ensuring that our policies are aligned
with the needs and aspirations of the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

The Prime Minister underscored the urgent need to move beyond the country’s historical
reliance on the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which has long served as a
major source of revenue. While acknowledging the economic benefits the program has
brought, Dr. Drew emphasized the importance of striking a balance between its financial
contributions and preserving the nation’s sovereignty. He expressed concern over the
potential long-term implications of allowing the number of economic citizens to surpass the
Indigenous population, noting that his administration has taken decisive steps to ensure
transparency and accountability in the program while fostering greater economic
diversification.

Reflecting on the accomplishments of his administration, Prime Minister Drew also
highlighted several initiatives aimed at building a stronger foundation for the nation. The
introduction of the Budget Boost Wallet, a groundbreaking digital financial relief program, a
part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the financial pressures of rising global inflation
on both lower- and middle-income families. Additionally, the reduction of Value Added Tax
(VAT) from 17% to 13% was implemented as part of a broader strategy to ease the cost of
living.

The government’s commitment to modernization extends to healthcare and public safety.
Dr. Drew announced the imminent arrival of a new fleet of ambulances tailored to the
unique needs of St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the formation of a task force to address
road safety and traffic management issues. “Safety is paramount,” he said. “We are
investing in infrastructure and technology to ensure that our emergency services are
equipped to respond swiftly and effectively.”

Education and youth empowerment remain key priorities, with increased budget
allocations to support free access to secondary and tertiary education, as well as the
launch of programs such as ASPIRE, which provides young people with financial literacy
training and opportunities to build wealth through investments. The Prime Minister also
revealed plans to launch a cybersecurity training program in collaboration with Canadian
standards, providing young people with globally recognized certifications and job
opportunities in this growing field. “We are creating pathways for our youth to thrive,” The

Prime Minister said. “These programs reflect our commitment to equipping the next
generation with the skills and resources they need to succeed.”

The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating his administration’s dedication to fostering
progress. He expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the importance of
collaboration between the government, the private sector, and citizens in achieving the
Sustainable Island State agenda. “2025 will be a pivotal year for transformation,” he said.
“Together, we will continue to build a nation that is resilient, inclusive, and prosperous. I
thank the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their trust and support as we work to secure a
brighter future for all.”