National Assembly Convenes on Thursday, 22 May 2025

Announcement of the Upcoming Sitting of the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis

The government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has announced an upcoming sitting of the National Assembly, scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The session will take place at the National Assembly Chambers, located within Government Headquarters in Basseterre, the capital city of Saint Kitts. This announcement serves as formal notification to the public and all relevant parties, ensuring transparency and accessibility to the legislative proceedings of the nation. Further details regarding the specific agenda items, encompassed within the Order Paper and other supporting documents, will be disseminated at a later date, allowing ample time for members of the Assembly and the public to prepare for the discussions.

Dissemination of Information and Public Access to Proceedings

Recognizing the importance of public engagement and access to governmental proceedings, the government has outlined various channels through which the session will be broadcast and documented. The sitting will be broadcast live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM), the national broadcasting station, and relayed through participating radio stations, ensuring widespread auditory access. For visual access, the proceedings will be televised live on TV Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis, catering to viewers in both islands of the federation. Furthermore, live streaming will be available online at www.zizonline.com, facilitating access for individuals within and beyond the nation’s borders. This multi-platform approach underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and public engagement in the legislative process.

Availability of Legislative Documents

In addition to the live broadcast, the government has committed to making copies of the Bills under consideration available online. These documents will be accessible through the official St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service website (sknis.gov.kn) under the designated "Bills" section. This online repository ensures that citizens and interested parties can review the proposed legislation in detail, fostering informed public discourse and contributing to a more participatory democratic process. The Bills will be posted as soon as they are available, allowing ample time for public review and consideration before the Assembly convenes.

Significance of the National Assembly Sitting

The upcoming sitting of the National Assembly carries significant weight in the governance of Saint Kitts and Nevis. It represents a crucial platform for legislators to debate critical issues, enact legislation, and hold the government accountable. The transparency measures implemented, such as the live broadcasts and online availability of documents, further enhance the democratic process by enabling public scrutiny and participation. By providing ample avenues for public access, the government aims to foster a more inclusive and informed dialogue on the nation’s legislative affairs.

Anticipation and Public Engagement

The announcement of the National Assembly sitting is expected to generate considerable public interest and engagement. Citizens are encouraged to tune in to the broadcasts, access the online streams, and review the available Bills to stay informed about the discussions and decisions that shape their nation’s future. The opportunity to witness the legislative process firsthand and access the relevant documents empowers citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and hold their elected representatives accountable.

Reinforcement of Transparency and Accessibility

The comprehensive approach to information dissemination, encompassing live broadcasts, online streaming, and online availability of documents, demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency and accessibility. By providing multiple avenues for public engagement, the government seeks to foster a more informed and participatory democracy. This open approach to legislative proceedings is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that the voices and perspectives of the citizens are heard and considered in the decision-making process.