Cabinet Briefing Summary – July 7, 2025

The Cabinet of Saint Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, convened on July 7, 2025, to address key policy matters aimed at enhancing the lives of citizens and residents. This meeting, held while Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew attended the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica, focused on several critical areas, including social protection, economic fairness, judicial efficiency, public safety, and fostering innovation. The Cabinet’s deliberations and subsequent decisions underscore the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development for the Federation.

A central focus of the meeting was the presentation by UNICEF representatives on the National Social Protection Policy and Action Plan 2025-2030. This comprehensive framework, built on four strategic pillars, aims to reduce poverty and inequality, build resilience against shocks, promote social inclusion, and strengthen national capacity for data-driven planning. The policy emphasizes protecting vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. It also integrates shock-responsiveness, targeted programs, community engagement, and linkages to human capital and livelihood initiatives to empower vulnerable populations. The collaborative discussion with UNICEF signifies a joint commitment to building a resilient and inclusive future for all citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This policy framework signals a significant step towards ensuring a robust social safety net and equitable development for all.

The Cabinet also approved a series of legislative amendments designed to address pressing issues and modernize existing legal frameworks. The Housing and Development Levy (Amendment) Act, 2025, tackles wage equity by ensuring that workers earning slightly above the minimum wage retain a higher net income compared to those earning the minimum wage. This adjustment prevents unintended income disparities following the recent increase in the national minimum wage to EC$500 per week, maintaining a fair and balanced wage structure.

Furthermore, the Judge Alone Trials (Amendment) Act, 2025, refines procedural rules for trials conducted without juries. Incorporating feedback from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the judiciary, these amendments aim to streamline court processes, reduce delays, and ensure fairness in trials. The changes reflect a commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system.

In addressing public safety concerns, the Cabinet approved the Larceny (Amendment) Act, 2025. This act significantly increases the penalties for robbery offenses, particularly armed robbery, by revising Section 31 of the existing Larceny Act. This measure seeks to strengthen deterrents against violent crime and enhance the overall safety and security of the public.

Finally, the Cabinet approved the Industrial Designs Act, 2025, which replaces outdated colonial-era legislation with a modern framework for the registration and protection of industrial designs within Saint Kitts and Nevis. This new act allows creators to secure legal rights for their designs locally, fostering innovation and promoting economic diversification. It represents a significant step towards stimulating creativity and supporting the development of a vibrant and competitive economy.

The Cabinet’s comprehensive agenda and the resulting decisions demonstrate a commitment to tackling various challenges facing the Federation. The focus on social protection, judicial reform, public safety, and economic innovation demonstrates a proactive approach to governance. The government’s engagement with international organizations like UNICEF further underscores its commitment to international cooperation and best practices. The actions taken during this Cabinet meeting lay the groundwork for a more secure, equitable, and prosperous future for all citizens and residents of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The initiatives undertaken by the Cabinet reflect a broad-based approach to governance, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term strategic objectives. The focus on social protection aims to create a safety net for vulnerable populations, while the judicial reforms strive to enhance efficiency and fairness within the legal system. The measures to strengthen public safety reflect a commitment to addressing crime and ensuring a secure environment for citizens. Finally, the introduction of modern legislation for industrial design protection fosters innovation and supports economic diversification. Taken together, these actions represent a comprehensive effort to improve the lives of citizens and build a more resilient and prosperous future for Saint Kitts and Nevis.