Prime Minister Drew to Advocate for Strategic Priorities at CARICOM Heads Conference
February 20, 2025 – Basseterre, St. Kitts
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, is actively engaged in the Forty-Eighth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which commenced today, February 20, 2025, in Barbados. Over the next two days, regional leaders will be tackling the most pressing issues affecting the Caribbean.
Five Key Areas of Focus
Going into the meeting, Prime Minister Drew has identified five key areas of focus for his government and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis: Health and Human Development, Security, Energy, the Global Sustainable Islands Summit, and the ’25 by 2025′ initiative.
Health and Human Development
As a medical doctor and the head of government, Prime Minister Drew continues to champion improvements in healthcare and human development as essential components of national progress. With non-communicable diseases remaining a significant concern across the Caribbean, he sees this meeting as an opportunity to align efforts with CARICOM’s broader objectives to enhance healthcare systems, improve access to quality medical services, and strengthen the region’s ability to respond to emerging health threats. His advocacy reflects ongoing initiatives in St. Kitts and Nevis to expand medical services, increase public health awareness, and ensure that citizens receive the highest standard of care.
Security
Security remains a major priority for Prime Minister Drew as regional threats such as organized crime, illicit trafficking, and cyber-related risks continue to evolve. Recognizing the interconnected nature of security across CARICOM states, he strongly supports a unified approach to intelligence sharing, border protection, and crime reduction strategies. His engagement in these discussions aligns with his administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize national security infrastructure, invest in law enforcement training, and implement policies that promote public safety and stability in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Energy
The Prime Minister is also deeply committed to energy security and sustainability, a crucial pillar of economic development. As St. Kitts and Nevis advances its transition to renewable energy through geothermal and solar projects, the CARICOM meeting presents an opportunity to collaborate with regional partners on sustainable energy solutions. The discussions will focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, attracting investment in green technology, and ensuring that small island developing states (SIDS) lead the way in climate-friendly energy policies. This aligns with the government’s vision to make St. Kitts and Nevis a model for renewable energy innovation within the Caribbean.
Global Sustainable Islands Summit
A critical mention for this year is the Global Sustainable Islands Summit (GSIS), which will be hosted by St. Kitts and Nevis this year in May. GSIS is a platform for addressing the vulnerabilities of small island states in the face of climate change. With rising sea levels, unpredictable weather patterns, and economic vulnerabilities placing Caribbean nations at risk, Prime Minister Drew is pushing for stronger global partnerships, increased climate financing, and the implementation of resilient infrastructure to safeguard livelihoods. His active participation in these discussions underscores St. Kitts and Nevis’ firm stance on climate advocacy and sustainable development.
’25 by 2025′ Initiative
Finally, the ’25 by 2025′ initiative, which seeks to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 percent within the next year, is another major focus for Prime Minister Drew. With food security becoming an increasing concern, he remains committed to expanding agricultural production, investing in local agribusiness, and supporting regional self-sufficiency. St. Kitts and Nevis has already taken bold steps in promoting priority crops, strengthening farmers’ cooperatives, and enhancing food sustainability, and the Prime Minister sees this initiative as an opportunity to drive further progress.
Conclusion
As CARICOM leaders engage in discussions over the coming days, Prime Minister Drew remains steadfast in ensuring that the interests of St. Kitts and Nevis are well-represented on the regional agenda. His active involvement reflects his government’s dedication to securing long-term economic stability, strengthening national and regional security, and positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a leader in sustainable development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key areas of focus for Prime Minister Drew at the CARICOM meeting?
A: Health and Human Development, Security, Energy, Global Sustainable Islands Summit, and the ’25 by 2025′ initiative.
Q: What are the goals of the ’25 by 2025′ initiative?
A: To reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 percent within the next year.
Q: What is the Global Sustainable Islands Summit?
A: A platform for addressing the vulnerabilities of small island states in the face of climate change.
Q: What are the benefits of renewable energy for St. Kitts and Nevis?
A: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, attracts investment in green technology, and enables the country to lead the way in climate-friendly energy policies.
Q: What is the vision for St. Kitts and Nevis in terms of renewable energy innovation?
A: To make St. Kitts and Nevis a model for renewable energy innovation within the Caribbean.
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