Second Reading of Four Bills Scheduled in the National Assembly for Thursday, 22 May 2025

Paragraph 1: Overview of the Upcoming National Assembly Sitting

The National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis is scheduled to convene on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Assembly Chambers in Government Headquarters, Basseterre. This session marks a continuation of the government’s commitment to advancing its legislative agenda focused on good governance. Central to this sitting is the second reading of four crucial bills designed to bolster national security, combat financial crime, and strengthen international legal cooperation. The proceedings 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 online at www.zizonline.com, ensuring public access and transparency.

Paragraph 2: Focus on Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Proliferation Legislation

Two of the bills slated for their second reading address critical aspects of national security and international obligations. The Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to enhance the existing legal framework for combating terrorism, adapting to evolving threats and ensuring the nation’s security apparatus possesses the necessary tools to address modern challenges. Complementing this is the Anti-Proliferation (Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which focuses on preventing the financing of weapons of mass destruction, aligning Saint Kitts and Nevis with global efforts to curtail the proliferation of these devastating weapons. These bills were initially introduced on May 15, 2025, and their second reading signifies progress in their legislative journey.

Paragraph 3: Strengthening Financial Crime Legislation and Extradition Processes

The remaining two bills address crucial aspects of financial crime and international legal cooperation. The Proceeds of Crime and Asset Recovery (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to strengthen the mechanisms for recovering assets derived from criminal activities, disrupting criminal networks and deterring illicit financial flows. This bill complements the Extradition Bill, 2025, which seeks to streamline and modernize the extradition process, facilitating greater cooperation with international partners in the pursuit of justice and the apprehension of fugitives. These bills, first introduced on May 2, 2025, underscore the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and international legal standards.

Paragraph 4: Leadership and Ministerial Responsibilities

The legislative process will be spearheaded by key government figures. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who also holds the portfolios of Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health, and Social Security, will guide the second reading of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Anti-Proliferation (Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction) (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The Honourable Attorney-General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, will oversee the second reading of the Proceeds of Crime and Asset Recovery (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Extradition Bill, 2025. Their leadership underscores the importance of these legislative initiatives to the government’s agenda.

Paragraph 5: Public Access to Legislative Documents

Transparency and public engagement are paramount in the legislative process. The government has committed to making copies of the bills readily available to the public through various channels. These include the official website of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (www.sknis.gov.kn), specifically under the "Bills" section, as well as the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service Facebook page. This accessibility empowers citizens to stay informed about the proposed legislation and participate meaningfully in the democratic process.

Paragraph 6: Significance of the Legislative Agenda

The four bills scheduled for their second reading represent a substantial step forward in the government’s good governance agenda. By strengthening legislation related to anti-terrorism, anti-proliferation, asset recovery, and extradition, the government aims to enhance national security, combat financial crime, and reinforce international legal cooperation. The public nature of the proceedings, coupled with the accessibility of the bills themselves, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and public engagement in the legislative process. This legislative push signifies the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize the legal framework and ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of Saint Kitts and Nevis.