Prime Minister to Advance Strategic Priorities at CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting

Prime Minister Drew’s Engagement at the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, is actively participating in the Forty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This crucial summit, held in Barbados, serves as a platform for regional leaders to address pressing issues facing the Caribbean. Prime Minister Drew has identified five key areas of focus for his government and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis: health and human development, security, energy, the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS), and the ’25 by 2025′ initiative.

Health and Human Development: A Regional Imperative

Prime Minister Drew, a medical doctor, prioritizes improvements in healthcare and human development as essential components of national progress. Non-communicable diseases remain a significant concern across the Caribbean, and the CARICOM meeting provides an opportunity to align efforts towards enhancing healthcare systems, improving access to quality medical services, and strengthening regional responses to emerging health threats. This focus aligns with ongoing initiatives in St. Kitts and Nevis to expand medical services, raise public health awareness, and ensure a high standard of care for citizens.

Security: A Unified Approach to Evolving Threats

Regional security is a major priority for Prime Minister Drew, given the evolving threats of organized crime, illicit trafficking, and cyber-related risks. He advocates for a unified approach to intelligence sharing, border protection, and crime reduction strategies across CARICOM states. This aligns with his administration’s efforts to modernize national security infrastructure, invest in law enforcement training, and implement policies that promote public safety and stability in St. Kitts and Nevis. Regional collaboration is seen as key to effectively addressing these transnational challenges.

Energy: Transitioning to a Sustainable Future

Prime Minister Drew is deeply committed to energy security and sustainability, a crucial pillar of economic development. As St. Kitts and Nevis transitions to renewable energy through geothermal and solar projects, the CARICOM meeting serves as a platform to collaborate with regional partners on sustainable energy solutions. Discussions focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, attracting investment in green technology, and ensuring that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) lead the way in climate-friendly energy policies. This commitment reflects the government’s vision to establish St. Kitts and Nevis as a model for renewable energy innovation within the Caribbean.

Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS): Addressing Climate Vulnerabilities

St. Kitts and Nevis will host the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS) in May 2025. This summit provides a platform for addressing the unique vulnerabilities of small island states to climate change. Prime Minister Drew is advocating for stronger global partnerships, increased climate financing, and the implementation of resilient infrastructure to safeguard livelihoods in the face of rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns, and economic vulnerabilities. His active participation underscores St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to climate advocacy and sustainable development. The GSIS will provide a crucial opportunity to highlight the specific challenges faced by SIDS and to mobilize international support for adaptation and mitigation efforts.

’25 by 2025′ Initiative: Achieving Food Security through Regional Cooperation

The ’25 by 2025′ initiative, aimed at reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 percent within the next year, is another key focus for Prime Minister Drew. Food security is a growing concern, and he is committed to expanding agricultural production, investing in local agribusiness, and promoting regional self-sufficiency. St. Kitts and Nevis has already taken steps to prioritize specific crops, strengthen farmers’ cooperatives, and enhance food sustainability. The Prime Minister views the ’25 by 2025′ initiative as a catalyst for further progress towards regional food security. This regional approach is seen as essential to mitigate the impacts of external shocks and ensure a stable and affordable food supply for Caribbean nations.

Prime Minister Drew’s active engagement in the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting reflects his government’s dedication to the long-term economic stability, security, and sustainable development of St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the broader Caribbean region. The outcomes of these discussions will shape regional policies, address shared challenges, and contribute to building a stronger and more resilient Caribbean community.