PM Terrance Drew named No. 1 OECS Leader by Real Entertainment Network

St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has been ranked as the Number 1 leader in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) by the Real Entertainment Network.

Dr. Drew took office as prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis on 6 August 2022. The statement attributed the recognition to his regional and international profile, citing advocacy for sustainable development, healthcare, climate resilience, renewable energy and Caribbean cooperation.

The statement also pointed to policy changes made under his administration over the past four years, including a 39 percent increase to the minimum wage, from EC$360 to EC$500 per week, and an 8 percent salary increase for public servants.

Free tuition at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and a reduction in student loan interest, from 9 percent to 5 percent, were also cited, along with programmes including LIFT and ASPIRE aimed at supporting families and children.

According to the statement, more than 900 homes have been built, are under construction, or are advancing through the government's housing programme since 2022.

The proportion of the population with access to 24-hour water service reportedly rose from approximately 24 percent to approximately 70 percent between August 2022 and July 2026, the statement said, attributing the increase to new wells, pipelines and pumping infrastructure, along with the Basseterre desalination project, which is designed to produce up to two million gallons of water per day.

The statement also cited a sharp decline in homicides, expanded healthcare services including additional specialists and ambulance capacity, and continued investment in tourism, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and renewable energy under Dr Drew's leadership.

The Real Entertainment Network was described in the statement as an independent, non-partisan and non-political organisation. Its methodology for ranking OECS leaders was not detailed in the release.