First Reading of Three Bills Scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025, in the National Assembly

The upcoming parliamentary session in St. Kitts and Nevis, scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing commitment to good governance. The session, to be held at the National Assembly Chambers in Basseterre, will focus on introducing three key pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and the rule of law within the federation. This legislative push underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a robust and ethical governance framework. The proceedings will be broadcast live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM) and affiliated stations, televised on Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis, and streamed online at www.zizonline.com, ensuring public access to the legislative process.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, holding multiple ministerial portfolios including Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health and Human Resource Management, and Social Security, will introduce two crucial bills. The first, the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission Agreement Bill, 2025, likely addresses the federation’s participation and obligations within the regional securities regulatory framework. This suggests a commitment to harmonizing financial regulations and strengthening investor protection within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. The second bill, the Prisons (Amendment) Bill, 2025, signals potential reforms within the correctional system, possibly focusing on improving conditions, enhancing rehabilitation programs, or strengthening the legal framework governing prison operations. Both bills reflect the government’s focus on both economic stability and social justice.

Attorney-General Garth Wilkin will introduce the Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislation is central to the government’s anti-corruption efforts and aims to enhance transparency and accountability among public officials. The amendments likely aim to strengthen existing provisions, possibly expanding the scope of the legislation, increasing penalties for breaches, or refining the mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting corruption. This bill underscores the government’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in public service and fostering public trust in government institutions.

The emphasis on transparency is further reinforced by the government’s commitment to making the bills publicly accessible. Once available, copies of the bills will be published on the official website of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (www.sknis.gov.kn) under the “Bills” section. Additionally, the bills will be posted on the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service Facebook page, leveraging social media to broaden their reach and facilitate public engagement. This proactive approach to disseminating information demonstrates the government’s commitment to open governance and citizen participation in the legislative process.

The introduction of these three bills signals a proactive approach to strengthening governance structures within St. Kitts and Nevis. The Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission Agreement Bill, 2025, promises to enhance financial stability and investor confidence, while the Prisons (Amendment) Bill, 2025, suggests a commitment to reforming the correctional system. The Integrity in Public Life (Amendment) Bill, 2025, stands as a crucial piece of legislation in the fight against corruption, reinforcing the government’s dedication to ethical conduct within the public sphere.

The government’s efforts to make these bills readily available to the public demonstrate a commitment to transparency and public participation in the lawmaking process. By utilizing both traditional and digital platforms, the government is ensuring that citizens have ample opportunity to review and understand the proposed legislation. This open approach fosters informed public discourse and strengthens the democratic process within St. Kitts and Nevis. The forthcoming parliamentary session promises to be a significant event in the ongoing development of the nation’s governance framework.