Acting Premier Evelyn Meets with Canadian High Commissioner Brenda Wills

The Honourable Eric Evelyn, Acting Premier of Nevis, welcomed Her Excellency Brenda Wills, High Commissioner of Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, on her inaugural visit to the island on June 4, 2025. The courtesy call at the Premier’s office facilitated bilateral discussions centered on mutual interests and potential avenues for future cooperation between Canada and Nevis. Mr. Kemon Charles, Consular Coordinator at the High Commission of Canada, accompanied High Commissioner Wills. Acting Premier Evelyn, standing in for the Premier, expressed his delight in hosting the High Commissioner and engaging in productive dialogue.

The discussions covered a wide range of topics pertinent to Nevis’ development agenda. Acting Premier Evelyn highlighted the island’s focus on sustainable development, particularly in agriculture and marine resources. He also outlined ongoing infrastructural projects, emphasizing the importance of water security and the island’s commitment to geothermal energy. These initiatives reflect Nevis’ dedication to responsible resource management and its pursuit of environmentally friendly energy solutions. This provided a comprehensive overview of Nevis’ developmental priorities and offered insights into areas where Canadian expertise and support could be beneficial.

A key objective of the meeting was to reinforce the long-standing relationship between Canada and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Recognizing the potential for mutual benefit, the Acting Premier underscored the need for capacity building in various sectors and expressed Nevis’s openness to receiving assistance from the Canadian government. This desire for collaboration signifies the value placed on the relationship between the two nations and their shared commitment to progress. The meeting underscored the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.

High Commissioner Wills expressed her appreciation for the insightful conversation and the warm reception she received during her first visit to Nevis. She emphasized the value of the discussions, noting that they opened doors for potential collaborations. She highlighted the alignment between several of Nevis’ development priorities and Canadian private sector strengths. This alignment presented promising opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.

The discussions touched upon several key sectors, including education, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. High Commissioner Wills highlighted Canada’s expertise in these areas, showcasing opportunities for collaboration. She emphasized Canada’s strength as an energy and food powerhouse, suggesting potential partnerships in renewable energy development and agricultural advancements. Furthermore, she highlighted Canada’s expertise in technical and vocational training and cybersecurity, recognizing the importance of these areas for Nevis’ continued growth. The identification of these shared interests paved the way for exploring concrete collaborative projects in the future.

The High Commissioner expressed her intention to revisit Nevis, highlighting her positive experience and the potential for future engagement. This commitment to continued dialogue underscores the importance placed on the relationship between Canada and Nevis. Both parties recognized the meeting as a significant step towards forging stronger ties and exploring collaborative opportunities. The visit laid the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at supporting Nevis’ sustainable development goals and strengthening the relationship between the two nations.