National Assembly Convenes on Thursday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Paragraph 1: Announcement of Upcoming Parliamentary Sittings in St. Kitts and Nevis

The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced two upcoming sittings of the National Assembly, scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2025, and Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Both sessions will commence at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at the National Assembly Chambers, located within Government Headquarters in Basseterre, the capital city of St. Kitts. The announcement serves as a formal notification to members of parliament, the media, and the general public, allowing them to prepare for the legislative proceedings and engage with the democratic process. While the specific agenda items remain undisclosed, the forthcoming sittings are expected to address key issues of national importance.

Paragraph 2: Anticipation and Preparation for the Legislative Sessions

The release of the Order Paper, which outlines the specific topics to be discussed and debated during the sittings, is pending and will be disseminated at a later date. This document is crucial for parliamentarians to thoroughly prepare for the sessions, allowing them to research and formulate their positions on various matters. Similarly, the public’s access to the Order Paper will enable informed engagement with the legislative process, fostering greater transparency and accountability within the government. Other supporting papers related to the agenda items will also be released, providing further context and information for both the parliamentarians and the public.

Paragraph 3: Ensuring Public Access and Transparency through Media Coverage

Recognizing the importance of public access to parliamentary proceedings, the government has made extensive arrangements to ensure broad coverage of both sittings. These sessions will be broadcast live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM) and relayed through various participating radio stations, extending their reach across the islands. Live television coverage will be provided through TV Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis, catering to viewers who prefer visual access to the proceedings. Furthermore, live streaming will be available online at www.zizonline.com, enabling citizens within and beyond St. Kitts and Nevis to follow the deliberations in real-time.

Paragraph 4: Facilitating Public Understanding of Legislative Processes

To further enhance public understanding of the legislative process, copies of the bills to be discussed will be made readily available. These documents will be accessible on the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service website (sknis.gov.kn) under the designated “Bills” section. The government’s proactive approach to information dissemination underscores its commitment to transparency and public participation in the lawmaking process. By providing readily accessible information, citizens can gain a comprehensive understanding of the proposed legislation and form informed opinions on matters that affect their lives and communities.

Paragraph 5: Significance of Parliamentary Sittings in a Democratic Society

Parliamentary sittings are pivotal events in a democratic society, providing a forum for elected representatives to debate and legislate on matters of national importance. These sessions facilitate open dialogue, scrutiny of government policies, and ultimately shape the future direction of the nation. By attending these sittings, either physically or virtually, members of the public can gain valuable insights into the decision-making processes and the functioning of their government. The engagement of the public in parliamentary proceedings contributes to a more robust and participatory democracy.

Paragraph 6: The Role of Parliament in Addressing National Challenges and Opportunities

The upcoming parliamentary sittings are particularly important given the evolving socio-economic landscape and the dynamic challenges and opportunities facing St. Kitts and Nevis. These legislative sessions provide a platform for parliamentarians to address critical issues ranging from economic development and social welfare to environmental sustainability and national security. The decisions made during these sittings will have far-reaching consequences for the nation and its people. Therefore, it is imperative for citizens to remain engaged, informed, and actively participate in shaping their country’s future through constructive dialogue and engagement with their elected representatives.