Nevis to focus on infra development and youth in 2024

St Kitts and Nevis: The Nevis administration has announced its plans to focus on developing the infrastructure and providing new opportunities for the youth in the year 2024. The resolution was announced by Premier Mark Brantley during his New Year's address.

During the address, he also recalled that 2023 proved to be rich in significant and momentous events.

Administration's plan for Nevis in 2024

While mentioning his plans for the growth of the island, the Premier said that the administration will concentrate on continuing the growth momentum by giving refocused attention to infrastructural development while providing opportunities for the youth, safety nets for the most vulnerable and expanding agriculture.

He said that the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) will fine-tune its national trajectory by concentrating on areas of job creation while reforming and expanding its delivery of education and healthcare.

The CCM plans to take ownership of its development by creating an environment for local private-sector investment and public-private partnerships.

According to Brantley, in 2024, his government will take urgent action to spur economic growth through investment diversification and increased agricultural production.

"We will wage a war on poverty and dependency and strengthen economic inclusion by creating greater opportunities for the growth of micro-enterprises and small businesses," outlined Mark Brantley.

As the year progresses, it is envisioned that the number of international banks in Nevis will increase from three to six, he added.

Furthermore, it was also announced that Nevis would witness a major increase in the number of persons employed at the two call centres. Notably, civil servants will receive their 5% salary and wage increase as promised.

The island will also witness the drilling of three additional water wells to increase our water capacity.

As per Brantley, the housing revolution will also continue with the construction of at least 50 new homes. The second phase of the Peanuts Park project will be completed during this year.

"We will witness the commencement of an emergency dispatch system. These are but a few of the projects and initiatives that we can expect in 2024. I can assure you, however, that as the year progresses, much more will be rolled out," said Brantley.

Accomplishments of CCM in 2023

While bidding farewell to the last year and welcoming the dawn of the new year, the CCM leader reflected on all the things for which Nevisians should be thankful.

In his address, the Premier said that the administration implemented the Retirement Benefits Scheme for all of the under-established workers.

Nevis also witnessed the opening of two call centres, one in Brownhill and the other in Charlestown, in 2023. The Concerned Citizens Movement administration has also completed the resurfacing of the bypass road from the Artisan Village to Pump Road, as well as roads in Bath and Butlers. Mark Brantley said that the island successfully hosted a historic Caribbean tourism organization Human Resources Conference in Nevis, this being the first time ever for the island of Nevis. [caption id="attachment_65674" align="aligncenter" width="1068"] Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley with Dona Regis-Prosper and Vanessa Ledesma-Berrios at the conference[/caption]

"We heard the cry of our people, and we waived the surcharge on the electricity bills, thereby making electricity charges more affordable," he added.

While talking about single mothers, Premier Brantley said that being mindful of the financial hardship which comes with being a single parent, the government initiated a daycare voucher program, allowing up to two children per household to attend a private daycare at the government's expense.

Furthermore, in 2023, the island witnessed the continuation of the housing revolution, with homes being constructed in Madden's, Craddock Road, Prospect and Rices.

[caption id="attachment_65677" align="aligncenter" width="1918"] Housing in Nevis[/caption]

In the area of health, the CCM government purchased and installed state-of-the-art mammography equipment along with computer hardware and software.

Since the commissioning of the machine in May of 2023, all women in Nevis were given access to free testing until December 31, 2023.

On Monday, November 20, the geothermal projects were made even more attainable when the National Assembly of St Kitts and Nevis voted unanimously to pursue geothermal energy as a national project.

"This was truly historic because, hitherto, the project was seen solely as a Nevis project. This rebranding of our geothermal project bodes well for the project. It has clearly brought us closer to the realization of our geothermal ambitions," said Mark Brantley.

CCM also commissioned additional water storage tanks in Pond Hill. The Premier noted that these projects and initiatives that he highlighted are the returns on the investment in prudent and efficient fiscal policies.

He said that over the past year, his administration steadfastly remained on the path of responsible fiscal management and the achievements are a testament to this.

Premier Mark Brantley vows to achieve more in 2024

In his New Year message, the Premier of Nevis vowed that his government will not deviate from being a government that cares for its people and delivers to its people.

He said that the administration will remain steadfast in its commitment to serve and to build a better and more prosperous St Kitts and Nevis.

"As we enter the new year, I trust that we as a people will be united, focused and more committed to ensuring that our nation is replete with peace, stability and security," he said.

Brantley also said that he trusts that CCM will build on the successes of the past year and embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

He urged the citizens to let 2024 be a memorable year for everyone. "Let 2024 be the year when we focus on our possibilities and opportunities and become a source of inspiration for others. Let 2024 be the year when we work harder and smarter and become more productive in all of our endeavours," he concluded.