St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew held an official press conference with the cabinet ministers on Saturday, Feb 13, 2024. The gathering was held to discuss the matters of regional and national importance.
It was the first press conference as cabinets in 2024. PM Drew mentioned that it is a great opportunity for them to share some significant updates regarding the progress and initiatives taken by the government.
The prime minister was conjoined by the Deputy Prime Minister – Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Utilities – Konris Maynard, Attorney general and Minister of Justice – Garth Wilkin, Minister of Tourism – Marsha Henderson, Minister of Agriculture fisheries and resources – Samal Duggins, Minister of Sustainable Development – Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Youth Empowerment and Social Development – Geoffrey Ian Hanley and Minister of Foreign Affairs – Denzil Douglas, at the press conference.
For the conference, the citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis at and in diaspora were encouraged to tune in to hear important updates from Prime Minister Drew and his Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues of national interest.
“As we embark on another year it is crucial to reaffirm our unwavering dedication to the principles of good governance and realization of our sustainable island vision,” said PM Drew.
Prime Minster added that they work on their guiding principles that are pinned on every decision and action they take as a government, that reflects their steadfast commitment to the well-being and prosperity of all the citizens of St Kitts and Nevis.
PM Drew appreciated his team of cabinets and said that the team has tremendously hard worked on the behalf of the nation, and their hard work has been felt.
Delving into the different ministries, Prime Minister talked about the health which has been their top priority. He announced about substantial advancements in the health care infrastructure, particularly at the Joseph N France (JNF) General Hospital.
Reportedly, they have been working continuously towards the new climate smart hospital and were committed to their promise to enhance the experience and quality of care considering all the hospitals.
He also expressed the concern for leaking roofs of the hospital especially JNF, which caused discomfort and inconvenience and has been resolved with collaborative efforts with the local contractors and generous support by the Republic of China, Taiwan.
He presented gratitude to the members of Republic of China, Taiwan who solved this issue with their advanced technology for once and for all.
Prime Minister Drew also spoke about the other amendments that have been done to enhance the structural part of the hospitals for providing the complete quality facility. He considered that investments are extended to improve the neglected parts of the hospital facilities.
Collaboratively, they are aiming to improve the psychiatric ward this year in 2024. New private wards are also going to open which are completely the part of improvement work of JNF Hospital.
Moreover, new Ambulances will be procured, CT Scan machines will be installed and implemented from March to April. Fluoroscopy, a quick piece of equipment of imaging will be introduced at the JNF Hospital. Ultrasound machines will also be set in the hospital.
Praising the development in the health sector, PM Drew mentioned about the Radiology, he said, “We have the highest number of Radiographers that we ever had in the history. We have seven Radiographers at JNF and two full time radiologists.”
A special building to be built up to set the MRI machine. The work for the setting it up has completed and building will be completed by this year, as well.