Basseterre, St. Kitts (Cabinet Secretariat): Under the leadership of Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, the Cabinet Ministers convened on Monday, November 13th, 2023, and made essential decisions to enhance the well-being of our people.
The Cabinet received a presentation from the Ministry of Sustainable Development on the ‘Urban Resilience Plan for Greater Basseterre.’ This comprehensive 15-year strategy is designed to guide investments in enhancing the resilience of Greater Basseterre, encompassing downtown Basseterre and its surrounding areas. Urban resilience, as defined in the plan, speaks to the ability of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a city to endure, adapt, and thrive despite various stresses and shocks. The vision of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration includes establishing an Urban Resilience Development Unit to safeguard homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from environmental hazards. The plan also aims to improve housing conditions, create a commercially vibrant heritage district, and establish a network of public spaces. Additionally, there is a focus on integrating renewable energy and efficient water usage in residential and commercial buildings. Following a detailed presentation and extensive discussions, the Cabinet enthusiastically approved the Urban Resilience Plan for Greater Basseterre.
This week, Prime Minister, The Honourable Dr Terrance Drew will lead a delegation, including Foreign Minister, the Right Honourable Dr Denzil Douglas, to the inaugural CARICOM-Saudi Arabia Summit on November 16th, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This historic event brings together leaders from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Saudi Arabia to engage in substantive discussions. The summit’s primary focus is on fostering investment and trade in key sectors like infrastructure, hospitality, renewable energy, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Beyond economic collaboration, the summit aims to strengthen shared principles, encourage people-to-people contact, and celebrate cultural heritage. It represents a significant milestone in deepening ties between CARICOM nations and Saudi Arabia.
The next sitting of the National Assembly is scheduled for Monday, November 20th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. During this session, important bills, including the Cannabis (Amendment) Bill, Medical (Amendment) Bill, Whistle-blower Protection Bill, and Unauthorized Disclosure of Official Information Bill, will be debated. Stay tuned for crucial discussions on these legislative matters shaping the future of our nation.