St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew participated in the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting, held in Barbados. On the sidelines, he also visited The University of the West Indies (UWI) and met students of St. Kitts and Nevis.
During the meeting, PM Drew engaged with students and offered a chance to students to share their perspective and experience about higher education, encouraging them to grow in the fields. He further urged them to use their time at UWI not only for academic and personal growth but also to foster regional connections.
Prime Minister Drew highlighted in the meeting that their government is fully committed to investing in their youth. He enlightened everyone present that St. Kitts and Nevis education is free up to college and they cover economic costs for all students, regardless of their field of study.
Dr. Drew also shed light on the Graduate Finance Project. He said that they have made higher education more accessible by reducing student loan interest to five percent, with a grace period.
Considering this, PM Drew ensured that they will continue to prioritize education and will support the next generation of leaders from St. Kitts and Nevis, as they work towards a Sustainable Island State agenda.
Reportedly, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government meeting was held in Barbados from Feb 19-21, 2025. It was the 48th Regular Meeting which was conducted under the theme – ‘Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’.
During the 48th CARICOM meeting, the Heads of Government discussed several major issues for the Community, related to food and nutrition security, climate change and the climate finance agenda.
The annual gathering also addressed ongoing challenges in Haiti, security issues, digital resilience, external relations matters and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). It also involved other main issues such as maritime & air transport, as well as reparations will also occupy the attention of the leaders, over a two-day period.
Opening ceremony of the meeting was headed at the Lord Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados on Feb 19, 2025. Whereas, the business sessions of the meeting were observed at the Wyndham Grand Barbados and Sam Lords Castle in St. Philip on Feb 20-21, 2025.