Government taking measures to protect its borders, says PM Harris

Coronavirus outbreak has resulted in a downfall of the economies across the globe. Countries across the world are taking actions to safeguard their borders to protect the inhabitants. Similarly, the government of St Kitts and Nevis is working to strengthen the boundaries.

Prime Minister Timothy Harris stated on Sunday that the government under the Team Unity administration is enforcing new measures to protect the borders, and the government has approved recruitment for additional customs and immigration offices.

“As perpetually, our actions will be based on what is accurate for St. Kitts and Nevis at this moment and in considering the World Health Organization’s guidelines and our National Working Group on COVID-19. There is no one size fits all response,” added PM Harris.

“We are a small open economy reliant on border management, both in and out, for our survival, including for emergency care of our citizens, some of whom may need emergency treatment abroad, food and medicine for which our ports must be able to accept,” said Prime Minister Harris.

Prime Minister Harris said that the government remains vigilant preparing for any challenges posed by COVID-19.

“Government is running to strong policies to preserve and prepare people and their families from COVID-19. This is not a time for panic and emotional reactions. It is for our leaders to act in the public interest, smoothly, sensibly and conscientiously." stated PM Dr Harris.

In addition to recruiting more officers, several other standards were put in force for instance updations to the travel advisory, adding nearly 17 million dollars into the health budget and restricting visits to elderly centres and prisons.