Cabinet Briefing Summary – March 3, 2025

The Cabinet of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, convened on March 3, 2025, to address key policy matters aimed at enhancing the well-being of all citizens and residents. This meeting resulted in several significant decisions reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusivity, progress, and sustainable development. Chief among these decisions was the approval for St. Kitts and Nevis to become a State Party to two crucial international conventions: the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons (IACHROP) and the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.

The ratification of the IACHROP signifies the nation’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its elderly population. This convention underscores the principle of equality for all, regardless of age, and establishes critical protections against discrimination, abuse, neglect, and violence targeting older persons. It also mandates the prioritization of aging in public policies and ensures the right to care for this vulnerable demographic. By embracing this convention, St. Kitts and Nevis reinforces its dedication to building a society where the elderly are valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in national life.

The decision to ratify the Inter-American Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities marks another significant step towards creating a more inclusive society. This convention commits the nation to preventing and eliminating all forms of discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensuring their full integration and participation in all aspects of societal life. Ratification underscores the government’s determination to create an environment where persons with disabilities can thrive, contribute their talents, and enjoy equal opportunities alongside their fellow citizens. These two ratifications demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a truly inclusive society that values diversity and ensures the rights and well-being of all its members.

Beyond these international commitments, the Cabinet also reviewed its impressive legislative achievements since the start of the current Parliamentary term in October 2022. As of February 2025, 71 new laws have been tabled, and an impressive 65 have been successfully passed during 29 Parliamentary sittings. This robust legislative activity demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to addressing the nation’s evolving needs and aspirations. The sheer volume of legislation passed signifies a dedication to modernizing and strengthening the country’s legal framework, paving the way for further social and economic progress.

Looking ahead, the Cabinet has initiated a comprehensive review of the proposed legislative agenda for 2025-2026. This forward-thinking approach allows the government to prioritize key legislative initiatives and ensure that the legal framework continues to align with national development goals and the ongoing strengthening of democratic institutions. By proactively planning its legislative agenda, the government aims to maintain momentum in its pursuit of progress and effectively address emerging challenges and opportunities in the years to come.

In conclusion, the recent Cabinet meeting highlights the government’s multifaceted approach to governance, focusing on both international commitments and domestic legislative advancements. By ratifying key international conventions and actively pursuing a robust legislative agenda, the government is demonstrating its unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and prosperous future for all citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis. This approach emphasizes not only the protection of vulnerable groups but also the proactive development of laws and policies that foster sustainable growth and strengthen the foundations of democracy.