ANNIVERSARY THE HIGH COMMISION OF ST KITTS AND ... Newsletter June...Meet the High ommissioner, His...

The High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis / Issue 1

30

S.T KITTS AND NEVIS 1983-2013

th

ANNIVERSARY THE HIGH COMMISION OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS

ISSUE 1: JUNE– SEPT 2013

2


CONTENTS

3/ The Office of the Prime

Minister Excerpt of the Budget Address 2013

4/ Independence 2013

5/ From the desk of the

High Commissioner A call to service 6/ St. Kitts and Nevis Then

& Now—1983-2013

7/ Message from the

Premier of Nevis

8/ SIDF Supports housing

growth

9/ News Issues

- Foreign Tax Compliance Act

- Prime Minister to chair mission

on debt of small nations

-National Insurance scheme

11/ Music Festival 2013

12/ The High Commission in

Action

Yes to Youth visits The High

Commissioner

14/ Eye on Tourism

Own a luxury home in St. Kitts-

Nevis

16/ National Symbols of St. Kitts

and Nevis

17/ All about St. Kitts and Nevis

18/ Your National Associations

in the United Kingdom

20/ SKN Carnival 2013-2014

The Rt. Hon Prime Minister Dr.

Denzil Douglas visits nationals

in the UK...Pg. 3

Meet the High Commissioner, His

Excellency Dr Kevin M Isaac...Pg. 5

Inside this issue: The High Commission for St. Kitts and Nevis JUNE-SEPT 2013

Issue 1

Donate to local cancer patients through the Breast Cancer

Assistance Fund, St. Kitts-Nevis Scotia Bank account

number 10011580. Alternatively, contact Dale Kelley at

the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for more details.

10 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL

The Non-Communicable Diseases Fund (NCD) through the

High Commission for St. Kitts and Nevis

A regular publication by:

The High Commission of St. Kitts and

Nevis

10 Kensington Court, W8 5DL

Tel: 02079379718

Fax: 02079377484

Email: [email protected]

Consular Office: Mrs. Alex Mason

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

His Excellency Dr Kevin M Isaac

EDITORS:

Wanda Connor, First Secretary

Sankalpa Guniyangodage,

PA to the High Commissioner

Dale Kelley, Tourism Officer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Keeth France, Photographer

St Kitts and Nevis Tourism

Authority

Erasmus Williams, CUOPM

LAYOUT AND DESIGN:

Wanda Connor

The High Commission for St. Kitts and Nevis www.stkittsnevisuk.com

Front cover:

Pelican logo by Kibiane

Willett

Cover Photo by Freelance

photographer Keeth France

3


Our journey as a Nation over the last five

years has been punctuated with height-

ened anxiety emanating firstly from the

impact of the global economic recession

and more recently from the sluggish and

fragile recovery of the global economy. At

home, in St. Kitts and Nevis the

resumption of growth in the real estate

sector has moved to the top priority on

the development agenda of my

Government.

Over the last two years, fiscal

consolidation and strengthening the

financial sector has been at the

cornerstone of our policy agenda. The

decision to shift priorities was based on

an examination of our macroeconomic

indicators which suggest that the

economy remained flat in 2012, following

contractions in a number of sectors.

Currently, the main drivers of growth are

tourism, financial services and

manufacturing. The preliminary results

show an improvement in tourist stay-over

arrivals with prospects for the sector to

achieve positive growth. Similarly, it is

estimated that Manufacturing grew by

8% and Financial Services grew by 3.14% .

The prospects for overall growth are

promising and it is anticipated that the

Federation will return to positive growth

levels in 2013. This Government has

chosen to be among the few who make

things happen and we have sought to

empower our people so that they not

only know what is happening but they are

also active participants in what is

happening. Over the past several years,

we like many Governments around the

world, have tried to manage a balance

between fiscal consolidation and the

need to stimulate growth.

In this regard, we have taken steps to

enhance the public financial management

system and to strengthen technological

and human capacity to ensure efficiency

in the collection and distribution of

Government resources. All this has been

pursued to facilitate the provision of

quality services to our citizens. We have

performed credibly in terms of

improvements to the legislative

framework especially in relation to the

governance of public institutions. We

have revised existing legislation and

introduced new legislation such as the

Public Service Act 2011 and the

Procurement and Contract

Administration Act 2012 to provide the

required legal support for building

transparency and good governance in

public administration. In 2012,

steps were also taken to enhance the

services provided in the Social Sector.

At all times, we are ever cognizant of the

plight of the vulnerable in our society and

we are intent on putting systems in place

that will not only provide relief to these

persons but also create a path for

improved livelihoods. We have therefore

prepared a National

Social Protection

Strategy (NSPS) that

will facilitate better

coordination of all of

the social safety net

programmes and

improve the services

provided to the most

vulnerable citizens

within our society. In

addition, given that education is key to

our success in life, a comprehensive Na-

tional Technical and Vocational Education

and Training (TVET) Implementation Plan

has been developed to ensure

improvements in the delivery of skills

education and training in the Federation.

We are living in a challenging period

when serious headwinds threaten at

times to derail decades of economic,

social and political progress. We have

been put to the test and I am proud to

say that as a Nation we are poised to stay

the course, to remain steadfast on the

journey towards our destiny which

beckons with a bright light of a new

economy brimming with real

opportunities for our people. There is no

denying that like many countries around

the world, we have suffered some

setbacks, but the reality is that St. Kitts

and Nevis is now in a stronger position to

build a brighter future where all Kittitians

and Nevisians can achieve a better

standard of living.

Building the new economy is only

possible with thoughtful, proactive and

decisive leadership. An important

requirement, therefore, is strong,

creative and courageous leadership in

the public sector and in the private

sector. It also requires cooperation,

coordination and above all the

understanding and contribution of all

citizens whatever their current status in

society, whatever their enterprise, and

whatever their political persuasion.

Excerpt of the 2013 Budget address by the Rt Hon. Dr Denzil L Douglas

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis

Pictured: Duty Free shops on Port Zante, Basseterre, St Kitts

Prime Minister

The Rt. Hon. Dr Denzil L Douglas

4


JOIN US AT THE HIGH

COMMISSION in September 2013

15th –20th A journey in pictures– Exhibition and

Open house from 10:30am-4pm

19th National service at Westminster Abbey at 4:45pm followed by a

formal Reception at the High Commission at 6:30pm

St. Kitts and Nevis

Upcoming Events and Public Holidays 2013

16 Jun 2013 National Championships at the Silver Jubilee Stadium

27 Jun 2013 St. Kitts Music Festival



05 Aug 2013 August Monday Holiday & Culturama in Nevis

06 Aug 2013 August Tuesday Holiday & Culturama in Nevis

15 Sep 2013 Independence 10k from Cayon to Basseterre

16 Sep 2013 National Heroes ceremonial at the monument of the

Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw in St.

Pauls

19 Sep 2013 Independence Day and Parade at Warner Park

25 Dec 2013 Christmas Day

26 Dec 2013 Boxing Day/J’ouvert

5


Fellow nationals, as your High

Commissioner it is my pleasure to

introduce to you this newsletter initiative

which brings the work of the High

Commission and our Government to your

doorsteps. Having served our Federation

for more than two decades as a

Diplomat, I understand the importance

of maintaining relationships with our

small nation. St. Kitts and Nevis is still

home to many of us, it is the foundation

of our heritage as a people and it is the

work of the High Commission to

preserve and protect this among our

people.

It is for these reasons that the High

Commissions focus has been placed on

strengthening its collaboration with our

National Associations by building a

relationship of reciprocal support

through information sharing and capacity

building to ensure that our nationals are

well served. Quarterly Executive

meetings are held at the Office of the

High Commission, with the Chairpersons

of our 10 Associations in the United

Kingdom to provide them with the

opportunity to discuss diaspora projects

and initiatives that serve in the best

interest of the Federation.

Additionally, within the offices of the

High Commission our staff remain poised

to address your concerns on any matter

relating to St. Kitts and Nevis as well as in

protecting your rights as citizens of the

Federation. Quality of service is

important to the High Commission and

information technology is embraced as a

necessary tool for our advancement. An

official website (www.stkittsnevisuk.com)

is available to you, providing detailed

information on our services. Links are

provided to local Government Ministries

and Organisations as well as the

Facebook page of the High Commission

for St. Kitts Nevis.

The focus of the 2013 Budget discussions

underscores the importance of

constructive cooperation among our peo-

ple as our Federation continues to strive

and develop in the key areas of tourism,

financial services, manufacturing and

agri-business. Your contributions remain

critical to this development process. Not

only in relation to the support provided

to your families and local organisations

but equally important is the human

resource capacity that exists among

nationals in the United Kingdom. It is

therefore important to share and

discuss ideas and issues that advance the

interests of the Federation, to share best

practices and to organize events and

activities at your local levels that bring

our people together.

The High Commission also wants to

engage our second, third and fourth

generation of nationals who we know are

significant to the preservation of our

heritage within the United Kingdom. We

must continue to share with them the

traditions of our islands and develop

within them a deep appreciation of St.

Kitts and Nevis.

Our islands continue to change rapidly

with new constructions and expansions

to existing facilities. New and improved

facilities at our Air and Sea Ports, luxury

accommodations among locals as well as

for tourist consumption. Several medical

schools in the areas of Nursing as well as

Veterinary medicine continue to develop

in the islands. Engaging activities abound

for the adventure seekers; kayaking,

paddle boarding, scuba diving, tandem

sky-diving are some that our locals

continue to enjoy. There are new

developments in the area of tourism with

ground breakings on new hotels such as

the Park Hyatt, Koi Resort and Pelican

Resort in St. Kitts and Tamarind Cove,

Four Seasons Villas and Zenith among

others in Nevis.

As we celebrate our 30th Independence

Anniversary, our country is second to

none with a product and a legacy of

which we can be proud. The High

Commission welcomes your involvement

in this process and urge you to continue

to visit the islands with your families and

to become more engaged as St. Kitts-

Nevis–UK nationals in your local

communities. Finally, as we continue to

preserve our heritage, you are invited to

become part of the CARICOM Air

Passenger Duty initiative that seeks to

ensure that our Caribbean families are

provided with the best opportunities to

maintain their ties with the region.

Be Part of an Association… see pg. 18

FROM THE DESK OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER

A Call To Service

His Excellency Dr Kevin M Isaac

6


ST KITTS AND NEVIS

Halstead Building and Government Headquarters 1989 Source: www.historicbasseterre.com

Government Headquarters 2013

THEN Now

Hamilton House, Nevis 1983 Source: www.bio-diversity-nevis.org

Hamilton House, Nevis 2013

Frigate Bay, St. Kitts Source: Dive St. Kitts

Frigate Bay, St. Kitts 2013

7


Nevis Gov’t committed to protecting island’s environment, says Premier Amory (Source: Caricom News Network)

Premier of Nevis Hon. Vance Amory told

participants at a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) sponsored Conference on environmental policy formulation and planning for the Caribbean Region, that the Environmental policy formulation had actively taken measures that would pro-tect the island’s environment.

The two-day conference which attracted at least two other Regional Environment Ministers among the delegates commenced at the Mount Nevis Hotel on May 15, 2013 and concluded on May 16. “The Nevis Island Administration has demonstrated its commitment to using sustainable and renewable energy through continued investment in the development of geothermal and wind power. Local building design and construction has become better geared to with-standing the impacts of climate change and there have been ongoing efforts to strengthen local disaster management capacities. There has been increased recognition of the importance of including topics related to sustainable development in schools,” she said.

According, to Mr. Amory who is also the Minister of Education, in September 2011, representatives from the Department of Education participated in the Organisation of American States sponsored Sustainable Energy Workshop for Caribbean Educators on the topic “Teaching Energy in Schools” where curriculum materials which supported integrated instruction of sustainable energy in upper primary and lower secondary school subjects was reviewed and validated. He added that teachers could access the “Learn and

Save” teacher resource booklets and student workbooks at the teacher Resource Centre, while upper primary and lower secondary Science teachers were subsequently exposed to the curriculum materials as part of the Department’s 2012 Professional Day training activities.. Mr. Amory noted that in February 2012 a proposal entitled “Strengthening Science Education in Nevis” was submitted to UNESCO and was currently under review.

“An integral component of the proposal is to obtain the UNESCO consultancy services to provide training for secondary school Science teachers on integrating a sustainable development lens in Science subjects,” he said. The Premier also spoke of the NIA’s support for the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society (NHCS) the principal Non Governmental

organisation (NGO) on Nevis devoted to environmental and sustainable development issues and was committed to strengthening local capacities that would reduce, mitigate and adapt to the impact of environmental change.

Mr. Amory stated that the Society had collaborated with the NIA on efforts aimed at the introduction of sustainable development approaches in environmental management. He spoke to the initiatives, among them, the UNESCO Sand Watch Project, which developed awareness among primary and secondary school students and teachers of the fragile nature of the marine and coastal environment and the need for its

wise usage. The project, he explained, provided a hands-on approach that would integrate the values inherent to sustainable development into all aspects of learning and would result in the empowerment of citizens to act for positive environmental and social change. The distribution of the monthly ECO Magazine, a resource tool utilised by primary schools was also brought into

focus. The magazine which began production in the early 1990s has been re-issued, addresses diverse environmental and sustainable developmental issues. Mr. Amory added, that there was also the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund: the Sustainable Financing and Management of Eastern Caribbean Marine Ecosystems Project, designed to support the long-term financing and sustainable management of sensitive ecosystems in the Region.

“The project will establish an unprecedented financial architecture that supports the conservation and management of the Region’s marine and terrestrial resources through the capitalisation of a Regional empowerment the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and the establishment of subsidiary national-level conservation trust funds in each participating country. The NHCS is a member of the Project Implementation Committee and the Outreach Sub-Committee,” he said.

The Premier also noted that there was ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government on the development of a National Maritime Plan, since the ongoing impact of climate change required

DEVELOPMENTS IN NEVIS

The Hon. Vance Amory, Premier of Nevis

Charlestown, Nevis.

http://www.caricomnewsnetwork.com/2013/index.php/caricom/caricom-news/regional-news/2493-nevis-gov-t-committed-to-protecting-island-s-environment-says-premier-amory




8


adjustments on how the ocean was viewed, managed and governed. Therefore, the need for coordinated management across sectors and resources and integrated environmental management directly with economic development, fiscal policy and social goals had become necessary.

“Central to such a change is the need to transform to a more integrated national policy framework to guide the future governance of the Federation’s marine waters, hence the development of a National Maritime Policy,” he said. Mr. Amory also pointed to the OAS Sustainable Project in the island’s five parishes ‘Building Resilience One Community at a Time’ in which over 100 persons were trained in disaster risk

reduction techniques.

The exercise was a collaborative effort

between Helping Our People Excel

(HOPE) Nevis Inc., the Nevis Disaster

Management Department and the

Department of Physical Planning,

Natural Resources and Environment,

targeted building community

resilience and disaster risk reduction.

Persons in St. Kitts and Nevis who have

already started to build their home can

apply immediately for an EC$500,000

from the Sugar Industry Diversification

Foundation (SIDF). The SIDF announced

that citizens who are in the process of

constructing their homes may now

receive financing from the Fund for the

Realization of Economic Empowerment

through Subsidized Housing (FREESH).

Under the previous arrangement, only

persons who were undertaking new

residential construction and had not yet

broken ground were eligible.

The qualifying conditions were revised to

allow more persons to own homes while

experiencing less financial strain and to

generate more economic activity.

“Effective immediately, persons who

have already started building their home

may apply for a loan up to $500,000.00 at

a fixed interest rate of 5%. However,

eligible applicants must not have

an existing mortgage in relation to that

residential property,” the statement said.

The SIDF said that applications must be

submitted via the SIDF website

(www.sknsidf.org) to any of the

participating financial institutions

listed. Interested persons may visit or

call the financial institutions for more

information. The FREESH was established

in January 2012 and in July the interest

rate was lowered from 6% and the

maximum loan amount increased from

$400,000.00.

To date, seventy (70) applications have

been approved in St. Kitts and Nevis and

over four hundred (400) persons have

been employed by these construction

projects. “With the qualifying conditions

revised once more to give more

persons access to funding, the number

of home-owners in the Federation is

expected to grow at a faster rate,” the

SIDF said. It noted that the

construction sector plays a key role in the

socio-economic development of a

country as it contributes to the

employment of people and generates a

high multiplier effect through its

linkages with other sectors of the

economy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Right Photo: The Windwatt wind farm

in Nevis leads the way in wind power.

(Photo: CJ Caribbean Journal)

SIDF supports housing

growth (Source: Nevis pages)

Unit C 21, The Sands Complex,

Bay Road,

Basseterre

St. Kitts West Indies

Tel: (869) 465-3750 Email: [email protected]

“

Nevis, W.I.

9


Facilitator of

the Nevis

Financial

Services

Regulation and

Supervision

Department’s 2013 AML/CFT Awareness

Seminar and Training Workshop Mr. Kem

Warner, believes it would be in the

interest of Regional Governments if they

understood the Foreign Account Tax

Compliance Act (FATCA) implemented by

the United States and use it to their

benefit. As Managing Director of KAW

Management Services Ltd. of Antigua, a

Banker, Certified Anti-Money Laundering

Specialist and Certified Fraud Examiner,

Mr Warner made the comment in

response to questions posed by local

journalist on the impact of FATCA on

Nevis and St. Kitts and the wider

Caribbean.

“It [FATCA] is coming; it is there. There’s

something we can do about it but we

have to be creative in terms of our

thinking from heads of governments,

whether it is from the St. Kitts Head to

Nevis Head, to understand the

importance of it and of course use that

law to be beneficial to the jurisdictions

and of course to the Caribbean as a

whole,” he said. According to Mr. Warner,

the Legislation had far-reaching effects

and he said the Nevis Financial Services

Regulation and Supervision Department’s

awareness seminar and training workshop

was a means of sensitising the people of

Nevis of the importance of the legislation,

not just on Nevis and St. Kitts but in the

Caribbean and the world.

“The purpose really, was to pretty much

sensitise them on these matters and what

systems they need to put in place to

identify the US clients, the US accounts

and of course understanding the data

challenges and complexities in terms of

dealing with FATCA issues, working with

the IRS or finding consultants who are

capable of assisting them in doing so, so

that they don’t find themselves in

unnecessary cost in terms of burdening

their jurisdiction and of course to a lesser

extent the financial institution on a

whole,” he explained.

Mr. Warner added that the legislation

would have some effect on the way the

jurisdictions operated and the institutions

that were classified as foreign financial

institutions would have to comply with

FATCA requests and would have to ensure

that certain requirements within the

systems were changed. As such he stated

that customers who dealt with the banks

would have to face new data

requirements, new application forms and

new systems. Notwithstanding, he was

certain that once the jurisdiction was

compliant and in line with international

standards they would not lose business.

“At the end of the day if we do it right,

the key thing is to show we are going to

be compliant with international standards

and of course ensuring that it does not

put additional burden that would of

course drive business away from this

jurisdiction. The Act which was

introduced by the United States

Government was designed to crack down

on tax avoidance by wealthy US citizens

involved in the Offshore Industry. It will

take effect from July 2013.

Raising Awareness on the

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act by NIA Charlestown Nevis

NEWS ISSUES

www.ecseonline.com

Proactively markets St. Kitts,

internationally, regionally and locally

as an attractive investment location.

Tel: 1-869-465-1153 Email: [email protected]

10


Source: CUOPM

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister The

Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has

accepted an invitation from the

Commonwealth to chair a high-level

mission on the debt of small states as

developing countries seek to deal with

the impact of the global economic and

financial crisis.

“The Commonwealth is establishing a

High Level Mission on Small States Debt

this year, which will be a small group of

Commonwealth Leaders who will carry

forward profile raising and advocacy

about the challenges of debt and liquidity

faced by small states, and to look at

practical approaches to overcome their

challenges,” Commonwealth Secretary

General, His Excellency Kamalesh

Sharma disclosed at a news conference

following a meeting with Prime Minister

Douglas. He announced that Prime Min-

ister Douglas has accepted his

invitation to chair and lead this

Commonwealth High Level Mission.

“Among other activities, it will meet in

Washington, D.C. in October for

discussions in particular with the leaders

of key international financial institutions

and Commonwealth and G20

economies.

The Mission will then report the

outcomes of its work to the next

Commonwealth Heads of Government

Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka in

November 2013,” said Secretary General

Sharma.

National Insurance

Scheme and long service

gratuity for workers

The Government of St Kitts and Nevis will

soon introduce the new National Health

Insurance scheme and a long service

gratuity for employees who work within

the manufacturing industry according to

Minister of Health, Social Services,

Community Development, Culture and

Gender Affairs, the Hon. Marcella Liburd.

In an address to nationals at a meeting in

Mansion Village Minister Liburd advised

that the new Health Insurance scheme will

benefit those workers who have no

pension with an additional benefit of a

long service gratuity for those who have

put in 10 years of service or more.

Workers within the manufacturing

industry are poised to benefit greatly from

the implementation of this initiative as it

has been the Governments focus to bring

long term relief. In her remarks Minister

Liburd acknowledged the unrelenting

commitment of those workers and

highlighted Celia Christopher as an

advocate for the implementation of this

plan to benefit the industrial site workers.

The initiative extends to workers within

the private sector. “

All the workers who have no pension

will now benefit from a long service

gratuity thanks to this Labour

Government, a working class organisation

looking after the loyal workers in this

country …” said Minister Liburd.

This falls in line with the plans

accommodated by the 2013 Budget

presentation which focusses on

development opportunities for the twin

island Federation.

Photo above: Workers at one of the plants on the C.

A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site. (photo by Erasmus

Williams)

Government Finance officials commended by IMF for performance (photos by Erasmus Williams)

The Rt Hon. Dr. Denzil L Douglas and His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma in St. Kitts-Nevis

PM Douglas to chair high level mission on debt of small nations

11


Lionel Richie to Headline 2013 St. Kitts Music Festival by Toni Frederick

Legendary singer, songwriter Li-onel Richie will headline the 17th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival slat-ed for June 27th-29th 2013. Regional acts include Bunji Garlin and Faye Ann Lyons, Beres Hammond and Shaggy.

THE CONCERT LINE UP:

Thursday 27th June

The Small Axe Band

The Kore Band Nu Vybes Band International Bunji Garlin, Faye- Ann Lyons Super Blue Grand Masters

Friday 28th June

Dagah

Dejour

Charles Emanuel Tesanne Chin Konshens Shaggy Beres Hammond

Saturday 29th June

Cayon Pantastics

Andy Narell featuring: Relator with special guest Etienne Charles Lionel Richie

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT WEBSITES

www.gov.kn - The official website for the

Government of St. Kitts and Nevis

www.cuopm.com —The website of the Prime

Ministers Office

www. nia.gov.kn– The official website for the

Nevis Island Administration

12


His Excellency Dr. Kevin

Isaac welcomes

Yes 2 Youth

The YES 2 YOUTH British-Caribbean

exchange programme 2013 took place

from 16 March to 6 April 2013. Run by Ms

Diahanna Hendrickson and a small group

of committed volunteers through a

relationship with the Greenwich

Community College the programme

engages youth by working alongside the

Ministry of Youth and Social Development

in Nevis.

A total of 14 young persons travelled

from Nevis (10 participants, 4

chaperones) to be exposed to courses at

the Greenwich College as well extra-

curricular programmes for young people

in the UK. Its programmes provide

educational and recreational activities

that stimulate, challenge and empower

young people.

As part of their programme the students

were hosted by His Excellency Dr Kevin

Isaac at the High Commission to engage

in discussion on their interests and career

ambitions while sharing their experiences

on the programme. His Excellency

shared the objectives of the High

Commission to engage our youth and

encouraged a focus on continuous

learning beyond their school curricula as

they prepare to take advantage of

emerging opportunities from within the

Federation.

Y2Y piloted its first youth programme in

July 2006 on Nevis with a similar

programme in summer 2008. In the

spring of 2011, the YES 2 Youth

Organisation hosted yet another

successfully executed education exchange

programme where 12 participants from

the UK travelled to the St Kitts and Nevis

for a three week programme. The next

Yes 2 Youth exchange is expected in 2015.

The

High Commission

at work

Tourism remains a high priority for the

Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis as a

viable industry for the continued

development and promotion of our

islands. The High Commission for St. Kitts

and Nevis and the Tourism Authority are

seized with this vision and continue to

embrace and engage interested partners

in the United Kingdom through this

Annual Reception in October each year.

This thrust by His Excellency to recognize

existing partners and to embrace new

parties began in 2011 and was launched

as an annual event. Hotel developers,

investors and friends are welcomed at

the High Commission to discuss new

ventures, and

emeerging

opportunities

in St. Kitts

and Nevis.

In an effort

to encourage open dialogue with

interested parties while attracting local

investments; the High Commission

continues to host various events with

tourism developers each year to

provide support and guidance to

investors. Tamarind Cove-Nevis, Park

Hyatt, Silver Reef and Christophe

Harbour are some of the key

developers profiled through this

initiative.

Yes to youth at The High Commission

Above: Photos of the Tourism Partners

Reception at The High Commission for St Kitts

and Nevis

St. Kitts-Nevis High Commission hosts

Annual Tourism Partners Reception

13


COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES LEAGUE, CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

ACROSS BORDERS AND HOME CHARITIES —make a difference

Each year the Commonwealth Countries

League (CCL) hosts an Annual Fair, in

November at the Kensington Town Hall

inviting representative High Commissions

to sell cultural foods and crafts to visitors.

This CCL fundraising event aims to

contribute to the alleviation of poverty

through the promotion and support for

the education and advancement of

women throughout the Commonwealth.

The organisation supports economically

disadvantaged children throughout the

Commonwealth by sponsoring

school supplies and meals

through to their

secondary education. The

‘Thousand schools for a

thousand girls’ is clear in its

mandate to support advancement

through education. The Fund

has sponsored over 3,000 girls in

over 30 Commonwealth countries

so far including the Caribbean

region.

Similarly, Children and Families Across

Borders (CFAB) is a charity organisation

which protects children separated from

their families for reasons related conflict,

asylum, trafficking and migration among

other areas of distress. The High Commis-

sion supports these initiatives by

participating in the CFAB’s Annual Fair

which offers a similar opportunity to

promote the islands craftsmanship while

exposing the tourism product.

In addition, The High Commission

highlights the existing home charities, in

particular the Breast Cancer Fund and

initiatives toward the reduction of

non-communicable diseases. A

Non-Communicable Diseases Fund was

launched by His Excellency Dr Kevin Isaac

in 2012, inviting support towards local

initiatives by the Ministry of Health. The

High Commission encourages the work of

nationals in these areas.

Particular mention must be made of,

local artist and Tourism Officer, Dale Isaac

-Kelley who held an outstanding Pottery

Exhibition at the High Commission in June

2012 in aid of breast cancer. Funds were

donated to The St Kitts-Nevis Breast

Cancer Patients Assistance Fund. This

event will be held annually.

All are welcomed to contact the High

Commission and be part of this

support network for the benefit of St.

Kitts and Nevis.

Commonwealth day celebrations at

Westminster Abbey on Monday, 11th

March 2013, saw the presence of His

Royal Highness The Duke of

Edinburgh and featured speaker, Sir

Richard Branson a renowned

entrepreneur and philanthropist among

other key officials.

The St. Kitts-Nevis Association Slough

(SANAS) nominated Miss Isis Pine for her

outstanding community involvement in

Carnival Arts for 10 years as a touring

performer, designer and youth group

organizer. When asked about her

experience in this event Miss Pine

expressed immense gratitude. “No matter

how nerve racking something seems, it

will be worth it in the end. It's all about

what you make of the situation. I

thoroughly enjoyed the Commonwealth

Observance Day 2013, although I was a bit

disappointed not to meet or even see The

Queen. I made connections with

people from places that I've always and

still do dream of going to. Westminster

Abbey is a beautiful construction and I

feel BLESSED and PROUD to have repre-

sented my country, Saint Kitts and Nevis,

within it, at such a prestigious event.”

His Excellency Dr. Kevin Isaac also

attended in support of the celebratory

event for the 54 Commonwealth Nations.

Isis Pine held the national flag of St.. Kitts and

Nevis on Commonwealth Day 2013

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St. Kitts’ Port Zante, is included in the

2014 Vineyard Partner Cruise with

Wilhelm Family Vineyards of Sonoita/

Elgin, Arizona. Not much goes better

together than an elegant cruise vacation

and a glass or two of fine wine, says

Suzanne Klasen, independent vacation

specialist for CruiseOne® - Sonoita.

The seven-day cruise, on the beautiful

Celebrity Silhouette®, departs from Fort

Lauderdale, Florida on Feb. 16, 2014.

The ship will transport passengers to the

beautiful Eastern Caribbean ports of San

Juan, St. Kitts and St. Maarten.

Along the way, the Wilhelm Family

Vineyards’ passengers will have the

opportunity to learn more about wine,

mingle with other wine lovers and make

new friends who share a love of fine wine.

Suzanne has made special

arrangements with Celebrity Cruises® to

lock in exclusive pricing and amenities for

the group. Balcony cabin categories start

at $1,054 per person plus taxes and fees.

The groups will be greeted by their host

from Wilhelm Family Vineyards at a

welcome aboard reception, have the

opportunity to attend two wine tastings

hosted by Karyl Wilhelm featuring her

award-winning Arizona wines, and

participate in a complementary food and

wine pairing luncheon with Celebrity’s

highly trained sommelier staff.

As a wine and cruise lover, putting this

package together has been a dream come

true,” said Suzanne Klasen, independent

vacation specialist for CruiseOne —

Sonoita. “I have always wanted to offer a

premium wine and cruise experience to

vacationers at an affordable price. Similar

packages on other lines can cost as much

as $4,300 per person.” As a premium

cruise line, Celebrity offers an upscale

modern luxury experience to cruisers that

marry perfectly with the equally sophisti-

cated, but unpretentious wines of

Wilhlem Family Vineyards.

Source: Erasmus Williams– CUOPM

EYE ON TOURISM

The St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism

Authorities continue to serve their man-

date by creating new opportunities to

increase tourism activity and room

capacity in the Federation. Several new

modern accommodation developments

are being pursued in St. Kitts and Nevis

offering luxury private homes for those

who seek to enjoy the islands landscapes.

The Park Hyatt St. Kitts and Nevis is a

product of the Dubai-based Real Estate

Developers Range Developments, and

forms part of the 2500 acre Christophe

Harbour community on the South East

Peninsula. On their ground breaking

ceremony held June 3rd 2013, Munaf Ali,

Chief Executive Officer of Range

Developments, said, “We look forward

to the hotel’s rapid construction and are

pleased that the local population will be

a part of the development of St. Kitts’

crown jewel”. This luxury property will

include a 300 slip yacht marina, a Tom

Fazio Golf Course, award winning

restaurants and a private membership

club.

Other new developments include the Koi

Resort & Residences which will offer

villas and penthouses with world class

amenities, another being the Pelican Bay

Resort in Frigate Bay that will offer

luxury homes. For those who would want

to enjoy mountain and sea views closer

to the city of Basseterre the Beacon

Heights development situated among

the sloping hills between Mattingley

Heights and Buckleys Estate offer world

class accommodation in a secluded

development. This new housing

development provides an investment

opportunity for nationals to own

property in the islands at reasonable

prices through

Celebrity Silhouette to

visit St. Kitts-Nevis in 2014

in St. Kitts and Nevis

Renderings of Park Hyatt St. Kitts and Nevis.

For contact details see :

www.rangedevelopments.com

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The Social Security initiative to support

economic advancement through

residential activity. Likewise, Nevis has

launched new investment opportunities

with developments such as Zenith Nevis

which will be located in Cades Bay. This

development offers elegant residences

with tropical gardens, restaurant,

swimming pool and private access to

beach, gym and spa services.

Additionally, the world renowned Four

Seasons Resort will be offering private

villas to clients within their repu-

table standards for elegance

and luxury. By the end of

2013, Nevis will offer the

Hamilton Beach Villas and Spa

as another major

accommodation. The Tamarind

Cove Development in Nevis is

another project that has launched

a luxury property in a sheltered

charming bay on Nevis. The

property will provide a golf

course and world class Marina amidst an

array of luxury accommodation. A key

feature of the development is the Marina

in an exclusive waterfront community.

His Excellency Sir Kevin Isaac in

addressing potential investors, spoke to

the opportunities provided by the

Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. “ The

St. Kitts and Nevis lifestyle offers

residential investment opportunities with

quality accommodation...We will

continue to work with reputable

developers to provide quality residential

services on St. Kitts and Nevis.” As a small

economy St. Kitts and Nevis continues to

thrive through strategic and prudent

management.

His Excellency expressed the

view that “today if small

countries are to thrive, we must

think, act, react, compete and

behave like the big players. We

know that today we compete

with the rest of the world.”

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority

participated in British Airways promotion

of offers for all St. Kits & Nevis hotels

featured by BA Holidays. Victoria

station, London came alive with potential

visitors vying to win vacations to the

islands.

The station promotion involved stand

visitors participating in a simulation game

to land a flight in St. Kitts. Facebook was

fully integrated into the game enabling

players who signed up to 'land' the flight

in St. Kitts. The message was then

automatically posted on their Facebook

wall to be seen by their friends. This

initiative highlighted St. Kitts-Nevis as a

destination. Two Prize tickets were won

every 15 minutes throughout the

day. Each visitor also received a St.

Kitts and Nevis destination postcard after

the game. Dale Kelley and Jennifer

Hensley, participated in ensuring that

significant information was distributed

to visitors during the experience.

This compliments the work of the

Tourism Authority in London. Throughout

the year workshops are held with travel

agents to provide information on new

activities available to visitors in St Kitts

and Nevis. Several Trade events are

pursued to promote the islands to new

areas in the United Kingdom.

One major activity undertaken by the

St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Authorities is

the annual World Travel Market held

in November at the Excel Centre London.

Countries from around the world gather

to showcase their tourism product

through music, folklore, foods and

activities.

See: www.stkitstourism.kn and

www.nevisisland.com

Beacon Heights, St. Kitts

Hon Mark Brantley visits Hamilton Beach Villas and

Spa Nevis (by NIA)

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The National Flag of St. Kitts and Nevis features green for our fertile

lands, yellow for year round sunshine, black for our African heritage,

red for our struggle through Slavery to Colonialism to Independence

and the two white stars on black represents hope and liberty.

The National Bird is the Brown Pelican. These are often seen along

the shores of the Basseterre Bay in small flocks as they feed on

schools of fish near the surface of the sea. They build their nests in

colonies along the coastline or in low lying trees and bushes.

The Poinciana or Flamboyant is the National Flower. These trees

can be found spread around the islands showcasing their beautiful

red blossoms. Monsieur De Poincy, the islands first French

Governor is credited with their arrival to the region.

The National Dish is made up of sumptuous stewed Saltfish, spicy

plaintain, seasoned breadfruit and coconut dumplings is a local

delicacy offered in many hotels and city restaurants.

Crocus, cotton and madras are the key

materials of the National Wear. African and

European historical influences are reflected

within the choice of these materials .

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All about St. Kitts and Nevis …it’s a lifestyle!

Water sports in Frigate Bay, St Kitts

The Football stadium at Warner Park

The St. Kitts Scenic Railway

Four Seasons Nevis

Sky Diving in St. Kitts and Nevis

Segway Tours in St. Kitts-Nevis

Family Fun, Nevis

Government Headquarters, Basseterre ,St. Kitts The Circus, Basseterre, St Kitts

Family fun at Palm Court, Basseterre, St. Kitts Sky Safari Zip line tours, Od Road, St. Kitts

The beach bar strip at Frigate Bay,

St. Kitts

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Call 001-869-466-9297 for Assistance with your resettlement process:

Duty-Free Concessions

Small Business

Investments

Employee Assistance

Employment Referral Service

Housing, Health and Pensions

THE RETURNING NATIONALS SECRETARIAT

Did you

know?

The Brimstone Hill Fortress National

Park in St. Kitts and Nevis is the only

man-made UNESCO World Heritage

Site in the Eastern Caribbean.

Meets the second and last Saturday at the

Chalvey Community Centre, Slough SL1 2SP

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In pictures from left to right: Headliner Costumes on New Years Day Parade 1st January; New Years day Troupe; Clowns parading

during Folklore Avenue at the Circus; Sylvester’s Masquerade troupe; National Carnival logo; Miss National Carnival Queen;

Children’s Old Year’s Day Parade; Mocko Jumbie’s on Parade day; Carnival Bands on J’ouvert morning –Boxing Day.

ANNIVERSARY THE HIGH COMMISION OF ST KITTS AND ... Newsletter June...Meet the High ommissioner, His...

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