Innovation, Diversification, Technology, CBI, Job Creation, Tourism, Small Business, The Orange Economy, Cost of Living
Our government is committed to building a resilient economy that fosters innovation, diversifies income sources, and provides job opportunities for all citizens. Through strategic policies in tourism, small business development, and digital transformation, we aim to stimulate sustainable growth, support entrepreneurs, and reduce the cost of living. We are transforming St. Kitts and Nevis into a hub of economic opportunity, ready for the future.
Achievements up to December 2024
3. Financial and education savings programme: $1000 savings account for all citizens, investment in shares for government majority-owned companies, comprehensive financial education topics for youth.
4. Small Business Loan ($20,000) for businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Two Back-To-School Discounted VAT Rate Days (August 2022).
6. Extension of Christmas Duty Free Concessions (Nov -Jan 31st).
7. Independence RESET Initiatives (including various economic stimulus measures).
a. One-time payment of EC$1000 to contributors to the Social Security Fund.
b. Electricity Arrears Reset – Immediate reconnection for all residential SKELEC customers.
8. 8% salary increase for all civil servants and pensioners effective January 2024
9.Christmas bonus in month’s salary to all civil servants, GAEs, Pensioners and STEP workers (2023)
10.Introduction of “Whole of Government Digital Transformation Strategy.”
11.National increase in minimum wage to $430 weekly (Jan 2024)
12. Introduction of new airlines to airlift (Inter-Caribbean, Caribbean Airlines, JetBlue Airlines).
13. First visit of the Seabourn Venture Cruise line to St. Kitts and Nevis.
14. Inaugural visit of the world’s largest cruise liners, the Wonder of the Sea and Icon of the Seas
16. Successful hosting of 25th Annual Music Festival.
18. 5 weeks Car Swarm (New York) 2024, taxi cabs are wrapped in eye-catching designs to promote the peak season winter promotion.
19. Removal of all COVID-19 Health and Travel Restrictions.
20. Extension of the CBI Private Home Option.
21.Launch of the New itizenship by Investment Evolution Program.
22. Extension of the CBI Private Home Option.
23. Launch of the new Citizenship by Investment Evolution Program.
24. Official Launch of the Creative Economy.
27. The Small Business Development (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
28.Launch of 40/40 booster grant for small business owners ($5000 to 40 small business owners)
29.Reinstatement of gratuity payments to retired Government Auxiliary Employees.
31. Christmas bonus in month’s salary to all civil servants, GAEs, Pensioners and STEP workers (2023).
32. 10% increase in salaries for National Housing Corporation (NHC).
33. Reduction of VAT for the first 6 months of 2025 from 17% to 13%.
34. Utility Subsides: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Fuel Exercise Tax.