National Assembly to Conduct First and Second Readings of Bills on May 15, 2025

The upcoming sitting of the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis, scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., promises a robust legislative agenda focused on good governance, national security, and economic stability. This session, held at the National Assembly Chambers in Basseterre, will see the introduction of four new bills and the second reading of three others, all reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. The legislative activity underlines the government’s proactive approach to modernizing existing frameworks and addressing emerging challenges in areas such as national security, financial regulation, and public safety.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who also holds ministerial portfolios for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health, and Social Security, will spearhead the introduction of the new legislative measures. These include the National Lotteries Authority Bill, 2025, aiming to regulate the national lottery; the Gaming Control (Amendment) Bill, 2025, likely focused on updating existing gaming regulations; the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, designed to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts; and the Anti-Proliferation (Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aligning national laws with international efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. These bills signal the government’s dedication to maintaining national security and aligning with international standards in combating terrorism and the financing of weapons proliferation.

The second reading of three previously introduced bills will also take place during the session. The Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (Amendment) Bill, 2025, first read on May 2, 2025, likely pertains to enhancing border security and passenger screening processes. This amendment suggests a focus on modernizing immigration and border control procedures to address evolving security concerns. The Prison (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission Agreement Bill, 2025, both introduced on February 27, 2025, will also undergo their second reading. The Prison (Amendment) Bill likely aims to improve prison conditions and the rehabilitation process, while the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission Agreement Bill likely focuses on strengthening regional financial regulations and investor protection.

These legislative actions demonstrate the government’s multi-faceted approach to governance, addressing critical areas such as national security, financial stability, and public safety. The commitment to transparency and public access is evident in the comprehensive dissemination plan for the proceedings and the legislative documents. The National Assembly session will be broadcast live on ZIZ Radio (96 FM) and other participating radio stations, televised on Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis, and streamed live on www.zizonline.com. This multi-platform approach ensures broad public access to the legislative process, promoting transparency and public engagement.

Furthermore, the government is committed to making the bills accessible to the public. Copies of the bills will be available on the official website of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (www.sknis.gov.kn) under the “Bills” section, as well as on their Facebook page. This commitment to providing easy access to legislative documents further reinforces the government’s dedication to transparency and public engagement in the legislative process. By making these documents readily available, the government encourages informed public discourse and participation in shaping national policy.

In summary, the May 15, 2025, sitting of the National Assembly marks a significant step in the government’s legislative agenda. The introduction of four new bills and the second reading of three others signify a proactive approach to addressing key national issues. The focus on good governance, national security, and financial stability, coupled with a commitment to transparency and public access, underscores the government’s dedication to serving the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis and strengthening the nation’s legal and regulatory frameworks. The range of topics covered, from counter-terrorism measures to financial regulation and prison reform, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to governance, addressing multiple facets of national development and security.