New Year’s Address by Premier of Nevis: Highlights of Significant Achievements
Achievements of the Past Year
The Honourable Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, highlighted some of the administration’s significant achievements in his New Year’s address.
“During the past year, we witnessed the completion of works on the Solar Desalination Plant at Maddens, the opening of another International Bank, the completion of the Oualie Water Taxi Terminal Building, the completion of the Bath and Butler’s Village road projects, the history-making cornea transplant done at the Alexandra Hospital- the first of its kind in the Federation, the completion of phase two of the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, the start and completion of the Bath Springs Enhancement Project, the start of the Water Drilling Project with the discovery of water at two (2) sites at Maddens- one of those new wells is already the highest yielding well in Nevis; the operationalizing of the 9-1-1 First Responder Crisis Intervention Programme with assistance from the Four Seasons Homeowners Foundation, the victory of the Nevis debaters at the Leeward Islands Debating Competition held in St. Kitts, the first Nevisian Troy Nisbett to compete at the Olympics in swimming, the huge regional win for our Youth Tourism Minister Keyana Warner at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Youth Congress, and the historical shipping of [baled] plastics off the island of Nevis- a first for the Federation.”
Culturama Festival and Environmental Sustainability
The island also hosted a landmark event, the 50th anniversary of the Culturama Festival, described by Premier Brantley as “a tremendous success” and “an unforgettable cultural extravaganza.”
Despite challenges, including high inflation, extreme weather conditions, and global economic pressures, the Premier emphasized the resilience and determination of the Nevisian people. He pointed to the NIA’s efforts to mitigate the impact of these external stressors by working in tandem with the people in making life better and improving the living conditions for all.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
“2024 was also a year marked by high inflation, which touched the lives of every consumer. Global conflicts, high energy and transportation costs resulted in increased worldwide inflation. The cost of food, fuel, electricity and other utilities increased while at the same time reducing our purchasing power and the value of our personal savings. This demonstrates to us that we are part of a global economy and are not totally insulated from its economic shocks.”
“As a government, we managed to accelerate our socioeconomic progress and at the same time changed the infrastructural landscape of our island. In 2024, every index of material life recorded significant improvement; wages and salaries have increased, job creation, education, health, housing and physical infrastructure have all improved. Culture, sport, travel, style and leisure have all trended upwards,” he said.
Conclusion
Premier Brantley concluded by stressing the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability in the face of extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and record high temperatures.
“Climate change is real and represents an existential threat to all of us. Now is the time for us to be responsible custodians of our natural environment, to protect our ecology and biodiversity, and to create a sustainable future. This is not only imperative for our generation but is also a legacy that we will leave for future generations.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were some of the significant achievements of the Nevis administration in 2024?
A: The administration completed works on the Solar Desalination Plant at Maddens, opened another International Bank, and completed various road projects, among other achievements.
Q: What was the impact of high inflation on Nevis in 2024?
A: High inflation resulted in increased costs for food, fuel, electricity, and other utilities, reducing the purchasing power and value of personal savings.
Q: What is the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability?
A: Climate change is real and poses an existential threat to all of us. It is crucial for us to protect our natural environment, preserve our ecology and biodiversity, and create a sustainable future for generations to come.
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