Two Bills Scheduled for First Reading in the National Assembly on Thursday, April 17, 2025

The National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis is scheduled to convene on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Assembly Chambers in Basseterre, the capital city. The primary focus of this parliamentary session will be the introduction and first reading of two significant pieces of legislation: the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Government Auxiliary Employees (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislative action underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to good governance, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. The session will be presided over by the Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew, who also holds ministerial portfolios for Finance, National Security, Citizenship and Immigration, Health, and Social Security.

The Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2025, signifies the government’s intention to revise and update the existing pensions framework. While the specific details of the amendments are yet to be publicly released, the bill’s introduction suggests a potential focus on enhancing the financial security and well-being of pensioners within the Federation. This could encompass adjustments to contribution rates, benefit levels, eligibility criteria, or other aspects of the pension system. The government’s commitment to transparency suggests that the details of the proposed amendments will be made readily available to the public for review and discussion before further parliamentary proceedings.

The Government Auxiliary Employees (Amendment) Bill, 2025, addresses matters concerning government auxiliary employees. This category of employees typically encompasses individuals engaged in supporting roles within government agencies and departments. The bill’s introduction suggests potential modifications to employment terms, conditions, benefits, or other aspects related to the management and administration of this workforce segment. Similar to the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, the specific details of the proposed amendments are anticipated to be released following the first reading, facilitating public scrutiny and informed debate.

Underscoring the government’s emphasis on transparency and public access to information, the proceedings of the National Assembly will be broadcast live through multiple media channels. Citizens within St. Kitts and Nevis and beyond will be able to follow the session live via ZIZ Radio (96 FM), other participating radio stations, and television broadcasts on Channel 5 in St. Kitts and Channel 98 in Nevis. Additionally, the session will be streamed live online through the ZIZ website, www.zizonline.com, expanding accessibility to a wider audience.

To further enhance public engagement and facilitate informed discussion, copies of both the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Government Auxiliary Employees (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be made available to the public as soon as they are released. These documents will be accessible through the official website of the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service (SKNIS), www.sknis.gov.kn, under the “Bills” section. Additionally, the bills will be posted on the SKNIS Facebook page, providing an alternative platform for public access and dissemination of the proposed legislative changes.

The government’s proactive approach to disseminating information and engaging the public underscores its commitment to transparent and accountable governance. By providing multiple avenues for accessing the proposed legislation and following the proceedings of the National Assembly, the government aims to foster informed public discourse and ensure that citizens have the opportunity to understand and contribute to the legislative process. This approach also highlights the importance placed on ensuring that the laws enacted are reflective of the needs and aspirations of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.