AGP Executive Report

Justice & Community: St. Kitts and Nevis unveiled the “Restoring Together” mural at the Newtown Playing Field in Basseterre, part of the Justice Mural Initiative with UNDP support, aiming to bring restorative, people-centred justice conversations into everyday community life. Consumer Protection: The Department of Consumer Affairs stepped up enforcement with fixed-penalty tickets for breaches of the Consumer Protection Act, 2023, focusing on price disclosure, promotions, safety, labelling and receipts. Public Safety/Prosecution: Keran Millard (Keran Wynter) was arrested on return to St. Kitts and Nevis under a bench warrant tied to a pending larceny-by-servant case, with the DPP noting she remains presumed innocent. Regional Mobility: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts office at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, boosting on-the-ground support and regional airlift coordination. International Labour Deal: A new Ghana–St. Kitts and Nevis bilateral labour agreement will protect Ghanaian nurses’ enhanced salaries, health insurance, rent allowance and end-of-service benefits. UN Engagement: Prime Minister Drew met Deputy PM Hanley in Miami for updates on national priorities and UNGA81 engagements. Culture & Heritage: The Federation marked the passing of calypso icon “Mighty Sparrow,” with PM Drew paying tribute to his Caribbean legacy and St. Kitts Music Festival ties.

PM Health & Governance Update: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew met Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley in Miami on Sept. 28, receiving a full briefing on government work and St. Kitts and Nevis’ UNGA81 engagements while Drew continues rehabilitation after a September stroke; Drew thanked Hanley, Cabinet and Acting PM Konris Maynard for steady leadership. Acting PM UNGA81 Town Hall: Hanley and the UNGA delegation held a diaspora town hall in New York, chaired by Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin, giving nationals a direct channel to raise priorities as the delegation pushed positions on AI and regional cooperation. Labour Protections for Nurses: A new Ghana–St. Kitts and Nevis labour agreement signed in New York guarantees Ghanaian nurses enhanced, legally protected salaries, health insurance, rent allowance and end-of-service benefits. Regional Airlift Boost: Trans Anguilla Airways opened a dedicated St. Kitts airport office and local team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, framed as a long-term investment in regional connectivity. Consumer Affairs Enforcement: The Consumer Affairs Department issued fixed penalty tickets and reminded retailers to comply with the Consumer Protection Act 2023 on pricing, safety, labelling and receipts. Diplomatic Travel Ease: St. Kitts and Nevis and Azerbaijan signed a visa-waiver agreement covering all passport categories, easing travel and deepening bilateral ties. Justice Reform Spotlight: Attorney General Garth Wilkin shared St. Kitts and Nevis’ criminal justice reforms at a UN crime congress meeting in Abu Dhabi, highlighting major reductions in homicides. Culture in Mourning: Drew and officials paid tribute to calypso legend “Mighty Sparrow” after his death in New York at 91.

Bilateral Labour Rights: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a new labour agreement with Ghana guaranteeing Ghanaian nurses enhanced, legally protected salaries, health insurance, rent allowance, and end-of-service benefits—signed in New York on UNGA sidelines by Deputy PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley and Ghana’s FM Samuel Ablakwa. Diplomatic Travel: St. Kitts and Nevis and Azerbaijan agreed a visa-waiver deal covering all passport categories, signed at UNGA 81 to ease travel and deepen people-to-people and official ties. Justice & Community: The Ministry of Justice unveiled “Restoring Together,” a restorative-justice mural at Newtown Playing Field in Basseterre, funded via a UNDP-supported justice initiative to bring justice conversations into everyday life. UN Policy Push: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley told UNGA leaders that small island states can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis worsens, urging fair financing and access for developing countries—also warning against a new digital divide. Regional Health: St. Kitts and Nevis joined COHSOD Health talks in Washington to focus on health security, non-communicable diseases, climate impacts on healthcare, and shifts in HIV financing. Football Development: FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the opening of a FIFA Arena at the SKNFA Technical Center in St. Peter’s, highlighting safer youth development infrastructure. Sports Results: The Sugar Boyz beat Grenada 3-0 in CONCACAF Nations League with a Tiquanny Williams hat-trick, moving up Group C.

UN Diplomacy & Diaspora: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley, with Foreign Affairs Minister Denzil Douglas and Sustainable Development Minister Joyelle Clarke, held a UNGA town hall in New York to hear directly from the St. Kitts and Nevis diaspora. Climate, AI & Small-State Voice: Hanley used the UN General Debate to press that SIDS can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis deepens, and warned the next divide must not be “digital,” calling for developing countries to shape AI governance. Justice Reform Spotlight: Attorney General Garth Wilkin shared St. Kitts and Nevis’ criminal justice reforms at a UN crime congress panel in Abu Dhabi, citing a 75% drop in homicides in 2025 versus 2024. Health Security Talks: The Ministry of Health joined the 53rd COHSOD meeting in Washington to focus on regional health security, public health emergency preparedness, NCD response, climate impacts, and HIV financing shifts. Labour Mobility: St. Kitts and Nevis signed an additional labour agreement with Ghana to protect enhanced conditions for Ghanaian nurses, including higher salaries, insurance, rent support, and end-of-service benefits. Sports & Youth Infrastructure: The Sugar Boyz beat Grenada 3-0 with a Tiquanny Williams hat-trick, while FIFA opened a new FIFA Arena at the SKNFA Technical Center to expand youth football development. Culture Loss: Prime Minister Drew mourned calypso icon Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco), who died in New York at 91.

UN Climate & AI Push: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley used UNGA to warn that small island states can’t keep adapting as the climate crisis deepens, and urged a fairer global financing system plus a stronger voice for developing countries in AI governance. Justice Reforms Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis’ criminal justice overhaul is being highlighted internationally after the UN invited the Attorney General to share reforms aimed at expanding access to justice, with reported homicide declines. Labour Protections for Nurses: Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis signed an additional labour agreement in New York to improve pay, health insurance, rent allowances, and end-of-service benefits for Ghanaian nurses. Trade Facilitation Plan: A World Bank-backed Electronic Single Window visioning workshop will map how to simplify and automate trade documents and strengthen WTO trade facilitation compliance. Nevis Federal Tensions: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley again accused the Drew-led federal government of sidelining Nevis, citing scholarships, geothermal and “Destiny.” Regional Security Call: OAS states renewed pressure for full funding and deployment of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate. Football & Community: FIFA opened a new arena at SKNFA’s technical center, while the Sugar Boyz prepare for Grenada in the Nations League and SKNABA held its 2026 awards.

UN Justice Spotlight: St. Kitts and Nevis’ criminal justice reforms landed in Abu Dhabi as Attorney General Garth Wilkin shared progress at a UN Crime Congress, with UNODC citing people-centred, accountable policing and reporting a 75% homicide drop in 2025. AI Governance: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN General Assembly that the next divide must not be digital, urging developing states to shape AI governance beyond mere internet access. Trade Modernisation: The Ministry of International Trade and the World Bank will run a 30 Sept–1 Oct Electronic Single Window visioning workshop to streamline import/export processes and strengthen WTO Trade Facilitation commitments. Human Rights Alarm: UN human rights experts warned that US migration externalization arrangements across 35+ countries are driving risks of torture, enforced disappearance and rights violations. Regional Diplomacy: OAS states backed renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, calling for full deployment support. Local Governance & Services: St. Kitts and Nevis observed National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health and dental services. Sports & Youth: FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the opening of a new FIFA Arena in St. Peter’s, while SKNABA honoured top performers including Daivique Osbourne’s eight awards.

UNGA81 Climate & Sovereignty: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN General Assembly that climate commitments must become real action, warning sea-level rise threatens sovereignty, statehood, nationality and maritime rights, and urging reforms to how SIDS access development finance. Pandemic Preparedness: Hanley also co-chaired a UN high-level meeting calling for stronger health systems, early detection, sustainable funding, and fair access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments. Right to Development & International Law: Hanley stressed “no hierarchy of human suffering” and backed consistent application of international law across Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and more. Water/Energy Delivery: In his national address, Hanley pointed to implementation gains under the Sustainable Island State Agenda, including a solar-powered desalination plant and progress on geothermal and solar projects. Health Services at Home: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health and dental services at Independence Square. Agro-Processing Boost: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit to cut post-harvest losses and expand value-added agriculture. Diplomacy & Travel: Foreign Minister Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan, and the Federation also continues rolling out international travel access. Regional IP & Youth: St. Kitts and Nevis creatives represented the country at WIPO cross-regional forums, while First Lady Diani Prince-Drew pushed for youth inclusion in global tech and development talks. Sports & National Pride: The Sugar Boyz opened Concacaf Nations League play with a 2–1 win over Bonaire, and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force won the Independence 43 drill competition.

UN Climate & Finance Push: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told UNGA81 that climate commitments must become action, with reforms to global financing for Small Island Developing States—plus safeguards so sea-level rise doesn’t erase sovereignty, UN membership, nationality, or maritime rights. Pandemic Preparedness: Hanley also co-chaired a UN high-level meeting urging stronger health systems, early detection, sustained funding, and fair access to vaccines and treatments. International Law & Human Suffering: In the same UNGA debate, Hanley stressed one standard of international law and “no hierarchy of human suffering,” backing ICJ processes on the Guyana–Venezuela dispute and other legal cases. Local Governance & Public Health: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Testing Day with free HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, mental health support, dental services, and nutrition counselling at Independence Square. Economic & Food Security: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit to cut post-harvest losses and expand value-added agriculture. Diplomacy & Mobility: Foreign Minister Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan covering all passport types, easing travel and strengthening ties. Youth & Technology: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew urged including SIDS youth in global conversations on technology, education, and development at the Concordia Annual Summit. Regional Security Cooperation: OAS member states called for renewing Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate and backing it with personnel, funding, and equipment.

UNGA81 & Sustainable Island State Agenda: Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley used his UN General Assembly national address to stress St. Kitts and Nevis is moving from “ambition to implementation,” citing progress on water security, renewable energy, food security and healthcare, including a commissioned solar-powered desalination plant and expanded household water access. Youth, tech and development: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew pushed for Small Island Developing States’ youth to be included in global tech, education and development discussions at the Concordia Annual Summit, as St. Kitts and Nevis looks ahead to hosting a regional follow-up. Agro-processing & food security: Minister Samal Duggins marked the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit, aiming to cut post-harvest losses and grow value-added agriculture. Health services at home: National Testing Day returned to Independence Square with free HIV screening, blood sugar and blood pressure checks, mental health support, dental services and nutrition counselling. Regional diplomacy & travel: St. Kitts and Nevis signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, easing travel and strengthening bilateral ties. International security cooperation: OAS member states urged the UN Security Council to renew Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate, calling for sustained funding and support. Sports: The Sugar Boyz opened the Concacaf Nations League with a 2–1 win over Bonaire, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice.

Public Health: St. Kitts and Nevis marked National Testing Day at Independence Square in Basseterre with free screenings including HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, dental care, nutrition counselling and mental health support. UNGA81 & Sustainable Island State Agenda: Acting Prime Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley told the UN General Assembly that the Federation is moving from “ambition to implementation,” citing progress on water security, renewable energy and food security, including a commissioned solar-powered desalination plant and expanded household access to 24-hour water. Agro-Processing & Food Security: Minister Samal Duggins welcomed the recommissioning of the Needsmust Agro-Processing Unit, aimed at cutting post-harvest losses and boosting value-added agriculture. Diplomacy & Travel: Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver agreement with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, strengthening bilateral ties. Regional Development & Youth: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew highlighted the need to include young people from Small Island Developing States in global discussions on technology, education and development at the Concordia Annual Summit. Sports (National Pride): The Sugar Boyz opened the Concacaf Nations League with a 2–1 win over Bonaire, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice.

Regional Diplomacy: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley used UNGA81 sidelines to press for stronger global partnerships for SIDS resilience, linking climate, energy security and economic stability. Bilateral Travel Links: Foreign Minister Denzil Douglas signed a visa waiver with Azerbaijan covering all passport categories, easing travel and deepening ties. Right to Development: Hanley delivered CARICOM’s position at UN on the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, warning that debt, limited fiscal space and weak access to concessional finance are blocking progress. Health & Global Partnerships: St. Kitts and Nevis co-hosted the OneSCD launch, with partners calling for country-led scale-up of sickle cell care beyond pilots. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, with St. Kitts and Nevis set to lead on resilience, inclusion and cybersecurity. Environment Cooperation: CFBC and TaiwanICDF formalised an MOU to tackle plastic waste and marine litter. Local Governance & Economy: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley promoted Nevis’ financial services and CBI track record at a New York investment summit. Sports (National Pride): The Sugar Boyz opened the Concacaf Nations League campaign with a 2-1 win over Bonaire, with Tiquanny Williams scoring twice and the winner in the 89th minute.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley pushed for stronger global partnerships and faster climate finance to help SIDS build resilience, warning that climate change, energy security and economic shocks are tightly linked. Bilateral Visas: St. Kitts and Nevis signed visa waiver agreements with Azerbaijan covering diplomatic, official/service and ordinary passport holders, easing travel and boosting people-to-people ties. Taiwan Engagement: Hanley attended a Taiwan Friendship Night at UNGA81, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas like healthcare, education and energy transition. Right to Development at UN: Hanley delivered CARICOM’s position at a UN event marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, citing debt pressure, limited concessional finance and climate impacts. Health Partnership: St. Kitts and Nevis co-hosted the OneSCD launch to expand equitable sickle cell care, with Hanley stressing that outcomes shouldn’t depend on where a child is born. Regional Tech Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, giving St. Kitts and Nevis a new regional platform in ICT policy. Energy & Water Talks: Hanley met Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister to deepen geothermal and energy transition support and explore cooperation on water and infrastructure.

UNGA81 Diplomacy: Acting PM Dr. Geoffrey Hanley told the UN that the “right to development” for CARICOM must be backed by stronger international cooperation and a financial system that fits small island realities, citing climate disasters, debt, and limited fiscal space. Bilateral Energy Talks: Hanley also met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, focusing on geothermal support, generators, energy transition, training, and water challenges. Foreign Ministry MoU: Serbia’s caretaker FM Marko Djuric signed an MoU with St. Kitts and Nevis FM Denzil Douglas to set up a mechanism for political consultations. Regional Telecom Leadership: Infrastructure Minister Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, adding another regional leadership win for St. Kitts and Nevis. Health Partnership: The federation co-hosted the OneSCD launch to expand equitable sickle cell care, with Hanley representing the country. Domestic Justice: Ex-cop Anson Belle-Carty was charged over alleged cannabis importation and related customs offences at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. Citizenship Reform: Government moved to allow grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap. Public Finance: St. Kitts and Nevis launched an inaugural retail bond for households and NGOs with a 2-year, 4.5% fixed return and a minimum EC$500 investment.

Right to Development at UNGA: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley told the UN that climate disasters, debt and limited fiscal space are crushing Caribbean development, calling for stronger international cooperation and a financial system that fits small island realities. Saudi Ties: Hanley met Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, discussing energy partnerships, geothermal support, generators, and future cooperation on training, infrastructure and water challenges. Foreign Policy Moves: Serbia’s caretaker FM Marko Djuric met St. Kitts and Nevis FM Denzil Douglas in New York, signing an MoU for political consultations. Regional Health Equity: The federation co-hosted the OneSCD launch to expand access to quality sickle cell care, with Hanley representing the country. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, boosting St. Kitts and Nevis’ role in regional ICT policy. Finance for Households: Government launched an inaugural Household and NGO retail bond at 4.5% for two years, with a minimum EC$500 investment. Citizenship Reform: A Citizenship (Amendment) Bill would allow eligible grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap.

Regional Diplomacy at UNGA: St. Kitts and Nevis’ UN envoy joined OECS foreign ministers in New York as the bloc pushed for stronger diplomatic coordination and a more unified regional voice. CARICOM-India Engagement: India and CARICOM foreign ministers met on UNGA sidelines to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, agriculture, digital governance, climate resilience and energy. Telecom Leadership: Konris Maynard was elected President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union, adding another regional post for St. Kitts and Nevis. Finance & Housing-Linked Investing: The government launched an inaugural Household and Non-Governmental Organisation retail bond via the ECCB/RGSM, with a 2-year EC$500 minimum and 4.5% fixed annual return, as ECCB Governor Antoine urged a shift from saving to investing. Citizenship Reform: A Citizenship (Amendment) Bill would allow grandchildren born overseas to apply for citizenship, closing a long-standing legal gap. Foreign Policy Focus: Dr. Denzil Douglas backed Guyana’s UN Secretary-General bid and supported the Franco-Mexican initiative on regulating the veto in mass atrocity cases.

Retail Bond Push: St. Kitts and Nevis launched an inaugural Household and Non-Governmental Organisation Retail Bond via the RGSM/ECCB, with a 2-year, fixed 4.5% rate and a low EC$500 minimum (interest paid semi-annually), as officials and ECCB Governor Timothy Antoine urged a shift from saving to investing. Citizenship Reform: The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is set to expand eligibility for overseas-born grandchildren, closing a long-standing gap since 1983 and potentially easing related property fee impacts. UNGA Diplomacy: Acting PM Geoffrey Hanley led the delegation to UNGA 81, while Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas backed Guyana’s UN Secretary-General bid and pushed CELAC–India ties, including support for a Franco-Mexican veto-regulation initiative. Children, Tech, and Governance: First Lady Diani Prince-Drew brought a Caribbean voice to the “Fostering the Future Together” children-and-technology push, aligning with Melania Trump’s expanded coalition and big-tech partnerships. Public Finance & Oversight: Parliament passed the Payment Systems and Services Bill, updating the framework for modern digital payments and licensing for non-bank providers. Sports & Culture: Elijah Walters was selected to represent SKN at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusive Championship in Portugal; Nevis also honoured 10 outstanding citizens at Independence 43 awards.