Aug 05 A small Caribbean nation helped popularize 'citizenship by investment' - now it's counting on it to make up for lost tourism
St. Kitts and Nevis, like many of its Caribbean peers, is highly dependent on tourism revenue.
But with its borders still closed to foreigners, the small country's pioneering "citizenship by investment" program could prove even more important than it has been in the past three decades.
Usually, revenue from wealthy foreigners shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars for a second passport from the island accounts for 30% of the GDP gap in the government's budget, according to the CBI program head Les Khan. This year, he says, that could be much higher.
"Now that tourism is at a standstill," he said in an interview, "we expect that the CBI program will be a main driver for the next six months."
Around the world, secondary passports and alternative citizenships have been in high demand from geo-political unrest and the coronavirus, experts tell Business Insider. As more programs come online, Khan is feeling vindicated that the program he's led for three years now is being replicated so far and wide.
"Dominica, Antigua, Grenada, St. Lucia, Malta, Cyprus, Montenegro," he rattles off as examples. "You name it. All of these programs really originated from St. Kitts and Nevis."
Earlier this year, the country dropped its prices, offering a family of four passports for a $150,000 donation, down from $195,000. There are also other more expensive options to make a real-estate purchase that must be held for a set amount of years.
The discount should help keep demand steady, "but we're not in a race to the bottom," Khan said. "We're not trying to just be selling. It must be something that is solid and must be in line with our platinum brand."
It's not a brand that's been easy to build: "There is an idea that citizenship by investment is a conduit for money laundering and possibly tax evasion," says Kahn. "I can assure you that's not the case. Our due diligence is one of the strongest in the world."
But if travel restrictions - like those currently barring people from St. Kitts and Nevis, the United States, and plenty of others from countries around the world - continue, the other side of that brand could be lost, too. The next few months will decide if the country still has one of the most powerful passports in terms of visa-free entry in the region.
"We keep our fingers crossed," Khan said.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/st-kitts-and-nevis-citizenship-by-investment-thrives-amid-coronavirus-2020-8
Jul 01 Five Caribbean destinations achieve marine protection goals ahead of schedule
ANTIGUA - Five Caribbean countries and territories were recognized for their early achievement of the ambitious marine protection target they committed to when joining the Caribbean Challenge Initiative (CCI).
The CCI 20-by-20 Conservation Goal challenges members to conserve and manage at least 20 percent of their marine and coastal environment by 2020.
The Dominican Republic led the list of early achievers with approximately 75 percent of its marine area under protection, followed by St. Kitts and Nevis (50 percent), the U.S. Virgin Islands (44 percent), Puerto Rico (27 percent), and Haiti (23 percent).
"It is a momentous occasion to reach a conservation goal that will benefit the ocean and communities in the Caribbean for generations to come," said St. Lucia-based CCI Envoy Karolin Troubetzkoy, who honored the early achievers at a ceremony in Antigua last week.
The CCI is an innovative platform uniting government, the private sector and partners - such as funding agencies and NGOs - in a collaborative movement to conserve and sustainably manage the Caribbean's marine and coastal environments.
Launched in 2008, the CCI aims to incentivize Caribbean governments to meet their marine conservation objectives and to support them by catalyzing new funding and accelerating meaningful action. It also works to create more prosperous and stable economies - achieved through sustainable development and growth - to help ensure a more secure future for the entire region.
In congratulating the CCI "Early Achievers", Troubetzkoy noted that "recognizing these nations' successes in marine and coastal conservation is an important message to the other CCI members that getting to the 20 percent target by 2020 is not an impossible goal." She hoped to be celebrating with the remaining CCI destinations next year.
In addition to the awardees, four other Caribbean countries and territories were celebrated for taking steps to propose marine areas that will more than double their current levels of protection. These included the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Grenada and St. Lucia. The Bahamas recently announced that it will declare an additional eight-plus million acres of marine protection, which will more than double its area of protection and meet the CCI 20-by-20 target ahead of the 2020 deadline.
Source: https://www.traveldailynews.com/post/five-caribbean-destinations-achieve-marine-protection-goals-ahead-of-schedule
Mar 23 St. Kitts-Nevis announces new CBI programme options
From the press unity in the Office of the Prime Minister
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - With the Hurricane Relief Fund (HRF), a temporary investment option under the country's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, set to expire at the end of this month, the government of St. Kitts and Nevis has announced plans for the introduction of two new options that "will further invigorate [their] CBI programme."
In a national address March 20, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Finance the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris said the Hurricane Relief Fund was a highly successful initiative that exceeded all expectations, while noting that there are still a number of applications that are being processed under this fund.
However, with the HRF coming to an end within a matter of days, Prime Minister Harris said a new fund, to be called the Sustainable Growth Fund, will be launched as its successor.
"The Sustainable Growth Fund for a single applicant will require a contribution of US$150,000, inclusive of government fees," he said. "The contribution for a family of up to four will be US$195,000, following incremental steps."
Harris noted that the monies collected under this investment offering will invest in sustainable areas that "will benefit every citizen and resident of St. Kitts and Nevis - [in] health care, education, alternative energy, heritage, infrastructure, tourism and culture, climate change and resilience, and the promotion of indigenous entrepreneurship."
Furthermore, Prime Minister Harris also announced plans for the introduction of a revised real estate offering under the country's economic citizenship programme.
"In order to attract luxury resort developments, there is now being proposed another option where real estate offering that requires a US$400,000 investment may attract two applicants at US$200,000, each plus government fees, but this can only be resold after seven years," he said, adding, "we have given favourable consideration to the recommendation by real estate developers for existing developments to qualify for inclusion in the new option."
Prime Minister Harris stressed that this new offering will not replace the existing real estate investment option priced at US$400,000, plus US$75,000 in government fees, and which can still be resold after five years.
These impending changes to the CBI programme came about following an exhaustive consultative process between the federal government, developers and other stakeholders on the way forward for the citizenship programme. Harris assured all that the country's Citizenship by Investment Programme will continue to employ the strictest vetting procedures that have led to St. Kitts and Nevis' CBI programme being recognised throughout the world as the platinum standard.
"We will maintain our very high standards of integrity, rigour and robust due diligence," he said. "The due diligence standards of St. Kitts and Nevis are ranked among the highest in the world. St. Kitts and Nevis not only has the oldest citizenship-by-investment programme in the world, but the most highly regarded. This success was endorsed by the 2018 Passport Index of Henley and Partners, which ranked our programme as No. 1 in the region."
In 2017, St. Kitts and Nevis was also recognized internationally for offering the "World's Most Innovative Investment Immigration Programme" at the Russian Global Citizen Awards ceremony held at Moscow's prestigious Ritz Carlton Hotel. This annual event recognizes the best governments, companies and individuals who have excelled in investment, freedom of movement and residence services.
Source: https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/local-news/st-kitts-nevis-announces-new-cbi-programme-options/
Mar 01 Lineup Set for St Kitts Music Festival
By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor
The St Kitts Tourism Authority has released the roster of musical artists who will be performing at the 22nd Annual St Kitts Music Festival.
The festival will take place from June 27 - July 1, 2018.
"We are extremely pleased to have such an exciting and diverse range of artists confirmed to perform in this year's St Kitts Music Festival," said Lindsay Grant, Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry and Commerce. "Each year, we strive to feature a variety of musical genres that appeal to both international and local audiences. This year continues that tradition, so we expect another dynamic event with a wealth of outstanding and memorable performances."
Thursday, June 28 will feature Soca Fusion: Nu Vybes & Small Axe, Spice, Destra, KES The Band and Nailah Blackman.
Friday, June 29 will feature Sizzla, Kalonji, August Alsina, Wayne Wonder, Chacka Demus & Pliers, Dejout and Byron Messia.
Finally, Saturday will feature Fetty Wap, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Patti LaBelle and Rhythm of the Beat.
On the evening of Wednesday, June 27, the Music Festival will kick off with a welcome reception hosted at the Christophe Harbour Marina followed by an Escape Fete held at the Salt Plage beach lounge.
Following the three nights of performances, the event will close with the White Sands white party at Carambola Beach Club on Sunday, July 1.
Source: https://www.caribjournal.com/2018/02/27/lineup-set-st-kitts-music-festival/
Sep 22 St. Kitts is Open and Welcoming Travelers
Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 22, 2017) - St. Kitts is pleased to report that initial assessments have been completed and the island is resuming normal operations, as it was fortunate to escape major damage from the passage of Hurricane Maria to its south on Tuesday afternoon.
All hotels in St. Kitts are fully operational and those properties that do not engage in regular seasonal closures are open and servicing guests. St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) reopened and began welcoming flights on September 20. The Port Zante cruise pier did not sustain damage and St. Kitts is scheduled to welcome two vessels tomorrow - Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Fascination and Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas. Park Hyatt remains on track to debut in November.
We continue to extend our thoughts and prayers to our Caribbean brothers and sisters in those islands which took a direct hit from Maria and to everyone who has been or will be impacted by the storm. Our sincere thanks to those who have kept St. Kitts & Nevis in their hearts and prayers.
For anyone wishing to donate to the recovery efforts of those destinations that sustained more severe damage from the hurricane, two official Caribbean Relief Funds are:
The Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund - www.tourismcares.org/caribbean
The Caribbean Tourism Association Hurricane Relief Fund - www.gofundme.com/hurricane-relief-fund-cto.
For the most recent updates on Maria, please refer to the National Hurricane Center. For more information about St. Kitts, visit www.stkittstourism.kn.
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Aug 31 9 CARICOM Countries Canada Just Issued Travel Advisories On
TORONTO, Canada, Tuesday August 30, 2016 - The Canadian government yesterday updated its travel advisory for nine Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations, among a list of countries across the world.
And it's the Zika virus that's responsible.
The government has urged its citizens travelling to the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Suriname, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, to "exercise a high degree of caution".
It suggests that pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy should avoid travel to those countries.
"If travel cannot be avoided or postponed strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed due to the association between Zika virus infection and increased risk of serious health effects on their developing foetus," the travel advisory states.
Zika is caused by a virus which is primarily spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be transmitted from an infected pregnant woman to her developing foetus. In addition, Zika virus can be sexually transmitted, and the virus can persist for an extended period of time in the semen of infected males.
Symptoms of Zika virus can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis and skin rash, along with joint and muscle pain. The illness is typically mild and lasts only a few days and the majority of those infected do not have symptoms. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Zika virus infection although trials are underway.
Source: http://www.caribbean360.com/news/9-caricom-countries-canada-just-issued-travel-advisories
Jan 27 Government Pursues New Diplomatic Allies and Visa-Free Access to More Countries
Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 25, 2016 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is preparing to tap further into diplomatic channels as it engages the Government of Canada to restore visa-free access for nationals traveling to the North American country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Mark Brantley, said that while no formal discussions were held with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his recent family vacation in Nevis, there is a plan to "engage Canada formally."
"We have unfortunately been delayed in that engagement because of the elections in Canada," Minister Brantley said, referring to the October 2015 Federal Elections which saw a change in government. However, the foreign affairs minister indicated that he has since met on the sidelines with his Canadian counterpart in Malta and had discussions on several matters.
St. Kitts and Nevis also has a formal presence in Canada in the person of High Commissioner, Her Excellency Shirley Skerritt. Minister Brantley said last year's opening of the High Commission in Ottawa, Canada's capital city, highlighted the government's commitment to strengthen the existing relationship and springboard discussions on the restoration of visa-free travel.
"I can't make promises but I feel optimistic that we will overcome this particular hurdle," the foreign minister stated. "I think that it is important to restore it because it is important for our reputation; it is important for our people to be able to travel freely to as many countries as possible.”
St. Kitts and Nevis enjoys good standing in many international circles and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the twin-island federation is one of the leaders in economic performance and projected growth in the Caribbean and Central America.
Senior Diplomat Brantley said that it is key, to build on St. Kitts and Nevis' positive reputation by seeking out new opportunities to establish diplomatic ties and also increase the federation's visa-free access to more countries.
"We are very close to concluding visa waiver with Russia," he said. "We are pursuing that with Ukraine, with Indonesia. We, just last year, got visa free access to Brazil, [and] we are pursuing it with South Africa."
Authorities are also working with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to have representation in South Africa. Efforts are being pursued to establish diplomatic relations with Senegal. Minister Brantley added that Nigeria is an important "center of power" on the African continent and that continued engagement at the honorary consul level will continue. Establishing honorary consuls in Ghana and Ethiopia are also being considered, he said.
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/94917
Apr 24 St. Kitts Music Fest: First set of performers have been announced!
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ORGANISERS of the annual St. Kitts Music Festival have announced some of the artistes who will grace the stage for the 19th staging of the event from June 25-27.
Artistes such as Kerwin Du Bois, Benjai, Ricardo Drue and Patrice Roberts will perform on the opening night of the festival, which is dubbed 'the Jump Up Night', while the following night will see Reggae stars Christopher Martin and Bounty Killer.
Speaking at a press conference today (Apr.23), Music Festival Production Manager Adrian Lam, while announcing some of the artistes, indicated that the Music Festival has become a leading event in the Caribbean.
"The St. Kitts Music Festival has become one of the signature events not only in St. Kitts but the Caribbean in general. It is one of the longest running festivals in the Eastern Caribbean and of the top five in the Caribbean. It also remains one of the most affordable festivals in the region."
He stated that despite financial constraint the festival continues to put together a very good list of fine artistes.
"We still have some important contractual work with a few artistes although they have committed, so we will be announcing those who we have contracted as of today."
Lam disclosed that a social media campaign was embarked upon to ascertain which artiste the public would like to see perform at the festival.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Lindsay Grant stated that despite external challenges the festival continues to attract large followings.
"The Music Festival comes amidst the challenges of external forces such as increase in travel fares and high production and performance fees. Fortunately, the results and economic impact over the past two years have shown that the festival continues to attract followings from within the region and also from the continents."
He gave the Government's commitment to further improve the festival.
"We take immense pride in being the organisers of a world-class musical product that satisfies the musical tastes of all patrons. Our goal going forward is to continue to set higher standards of excellence and attract even larger followings celebrating an exuberant festival."
Grant also highlighted the significance of the Music Festival.
"True to its vision, the St. Kitts Music Festival has become a magnet in our tourism industry. It attracts visitors and returning nationals in the slow period. And now in its 19th year has become an integral component of our tourism product impacting positively on commercial activity and generating income which serves to stimulate the economy."
Music Festival Chairman Faron Lawrence promised that improvements would be made to this year's event.
"We will continue in the trend by making this year an improvement from last year. I am quite confident that, based on what we have in store, Music Festival will go to a next level.
"I must admit we have had some challenges this year; but I must hasten to say those are challenges we've had in the past... we have been just as late."
Source: http://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/91677
Mar 05 St. Kitts Prepares to Sizzle For 2015 St. Kitts Music Festival
BASSETERRE (5th March, 2015): The St. Kitts Tourism Authority announced today that the staging of the world-renowned St. Kitts Music Festival takes place 25th to 27th June, 2015.
Minister of Tourism, Lindsay Grant, said he is excited about the 2015 edition of the Festival, which has become one of the most anticipated events in the Caribbean's calendar of events.
"The St. Kitts Music Festival has grown over the years into a unique event that showcases international music stars alongside rising local and Caribbean acts," Minister Grant said. "Promotion of the Festival has started in our various markets to encourage visitors to follow their hearts to St. Kitts, to enjoy one of the most diversified musical weekends in the Caribbean."
Minister Grant also pointed out that visitors attending the Festival can stay on to revel in the 'Biggest Party in Sport,' which is the Caribbean Premier League. With the destination being awarded the newest cricket franchise in the CPL - the St. Kitts-Nevis Patriots - St. Kitts will host all six neutral games in the CPL in July.
Last year, the Warner Park Stadium became the focus of cricket fans from around the world. CPL's unique blend of entertainment saw the CPL finals played alongside a spectacular performance from Grammy award-winning American artist, Rick Ross.
The historic Warner Park Stadium is also home to the St. Kitts Music Festival, which is now in its nineteenth consecutive year. The Festival features a wide range of musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Rock, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music.
Past artists include John Legend, Lionel Richie, T-Pain, Tyrese, Kelly Rowland, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Damian "Jr Gong" Marley, Shaggy, Destra Garcia and Machel Montana HD.
For more information about the St. Kitts Music Festival, visit www.stkittsmusicfestival.com or "like" the St. Kitts Music Festival's Facebook page.
Source: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=4df19efdcfabf2e93c58266d7&id=94a1857443&e=b23507c34c
Mar 02 St. Kitts & Nevis is Showcased as a Golf Destination
Basseterre, St. Kitts - (March 2, 2015) - Teams of PGA club professionals and amateur golfers along with their guests all enjoyed the lush natural beauty and warm hospitality of St. Kitts & Nevis during the Fifth Annual St. Kitts-Nevis Admiral's Cup Pro-Am Tournament, held on both islands of the Federation from February 17-21, 2015.
"The Pro-Am tournament is a premier event to help build awareness for our twin-island nation within the lucrative golf travel niche market," said Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. "Considering that we have a new championship course which is on schedule to open this year, Irie Fields at Kittitian Hill, and another championship course at Christophe Harbour slated to open in 2016 on St. Kitts, it is critical that we promote our product now."
The Admiral's Cup Pro-Am is an annual golf event for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. It is a five-day team tournament in which a PGA Club Professional and three amateurs pair up to compete against other teams from golf clubs across the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. The 54-hole annual event was contested over the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club designed by Canadian course architect Thomas McBroom and the signature Robert Trent Jones II course at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, two of the Caribbean's most scenic and challenging courses. Rounds one and three of the tournament were played on the links-style Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, an 18-hole course featuring holes on both the Caribbean and Atlantic which is managed by Marriott Golf. Round two was played at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, featuring the par 71, 18-hole championship mountain-side course that overlooks the Caribbean Sea and St. Kitts with a spectacular beach-side finishing 18th green.
All participants, guests, and sponsors of the Admiral's Cup Pro-Am were treated to warm hospitality and great golf. While temperatures dipped into the single digits back in the U.S., attendees enjoyed relaxing in the sun at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & Royal Beach Casino, host resort of the event for the 5th year in a row. Additional event sponsors included the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Cobra PUMA Golf, Carib Beer, Kantours and Brinley Gold Rum. All attendees were treated to nightly parties, on-course hospitality stations, and player gift bags filled with prizes valued at more than $400 USD. They also explored the island, going zipliningand dining out at restaurants from Carambola Beach Club to Fisherman's Wharf. After 36-holes of Team Best Ball competition, the CC of Columbus (Georgia) team led by Host PGA Professional Brian Stubbs held a one-stroke lead on the field at 121. Seven teams were within 5 shots of the lead heading into the final round's tough Two Best Ball format (1 gross + 1 net), including the Wilmington Island Club from Savannah, Georgia, the event's 2012 Team Champions. However, it was the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club #2 team, led by Amateur Louis Canise, a 2-handicap golfer who learned the game on the nearby island of St. Lucia and carded a 4-under par 67 on his own ball, pulled away from the field. As a result, Canise and his teammates Adrian Norford (Team Captain), Everton Harvey and Vernon Veira, were presented the winning Admiral's Cup by Racquel Brown, CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club Team #2 was one of three entered into the competition from the Host Club, capturing the Championship with a final score of 246. Their victory marked the first time in the event's history that one of the host teams took top honors in the annual competition. The Wilmington Island Club consisting of Host PGA Professional Patrick Richardson and amateurs Ron Wodkowski, David Schaller and Wilson Tillotson, captured runner-up honors with a team score of 259, marking the third time in four years the team placed in the event. The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club #1 team of Team Captain Anand Harridyal, Harry Harridyal, Andy Orr and David Wright took third place honors, one shot back at 260.
To learn more about the Admiral's Cup Pro-Am and golf in St. Kitts and Nevis, visit www.StKittsProAm.com. The tournament is managed exclusively by The Golf Connection LLC for the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
About St. Kitts:
In conjunction with existing courses, the Irie Fields Golf Club at Kittitian Hill, designed by former Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, and the Tom Fazio designed course at Christophe Harbour, will form a spectacular quartet of world class golf courses, each of which is adjacent to luxury resorts and residential developments. In 2014, LINKS Magazine included St. Kitts & Nevis in its newly created ranking of the Top 25 Islandsin the world for golf travel and it is one of just seven Caribbean islands on the list.
In fact, the twin-island Federation has recently appeared in a number of must-visit lists and rankings. St. Kitts is currently ranked, with sister island Nevis, at #3 on a list of the Best Islands in the World, #3 on a list of the Best Caribbean Vacations, and #7 on a list of the Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations in the World, #8 on a list of Best Caribbean Honeymoons, and #8 on a list of the Best Affordable Caribbean Destinations by US News & World Report. It is also currently ranked at #7 among the Hottest Places to Travel this Winter by CNN Money based on bookings received by Virtuoso, #8 on a list of the Top 10 Best Islands for a Holiday by Places To See In Your Lifetime, #14 on a list of the 50 Travel Destinations That Will Be Huge In The Next 10 Years as well as #8 on a list of the 25 Best Caribbean Islands by Business Insider, one of the Top 12 Best Caribbean Vacations on FlipKey.com, the vacation rental company of leading travel website, TripAdvisor. St. Kitts & Nevis has also been named one of the Top 15 Emerging Travel Hotspots for 2015by The Huffington Post and has been ranked by The New York Times at #34 of the 52 Places to Go in 2015. In addition, St. Kitts received the "Innovative Destination of the Year" Award in Caribbean Journal's Caribbean Travel Awards 2014.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination's natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island's stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island's former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, and touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean. Among the more traditional vacation pastimes available are watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, dining, gaming at St. Kitts' exclusive casino or simply relaxing on a sandy beach. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.
For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.
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Nov 26 Over EC$100 million in goods and services exported from St. Kitts and Nevis to the U.S. in first 9 months of 2013
St. Kitts and Nevis continues to be the leading exporter of goods and services to the United States within the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
According to foreign trade statistics issued by the US Census Bureau, exports from St. Kitts and Nevis to the United States for the first nine months of this year were valued at US$39.9 million or EC$107.7 million.
For the first nine months of this year, Antigua and Barbuda exported US$7.2 million (EC$19.4 million) to the United States; Dominica, US$2.1 million (EC$5.6 million); Grenada, US$8.1 million (EC$21.8 million); St. Lucia, US$11.7 million (EC$31.5 million); St. Vincent and the Grenadines, US$1.9 million (EC$5.1 million); Anguilla, US$7.2 million (EC$19.4 million ); British Virgin Islands, US$5.3 million (EC$14.3 million); Montserrat, US$1 million (EC$2.7 million).
St. Kitts and Nevis also led the OECS and Barbados in goods and services exported to the United States in 2012 with a value of nearly US$106.3 million (EC$297 million).
The value of exports to the United States in 2012 from Antigua and Barbuda were valued at US$9.6 million (EC$25.9 million); Anguilla, US$3.6 million (EC$9.7 million); Dominica, US$1.7 million (EC$4.5 million); Grenada, US$8.4 million (EC$22.6 million); St. Lucia, US$15.2 million (EC$41 million); Montserrat, US$1. 8 million (EC$6.7 million); St. Vincent and the Grenadines, US$2.3 million (EC$6.2 million) and the British Virgin Islands, US$12.9 million (EC$34.8 million).
Between 2000 and 2011 St. Kitts and Nevis also led the OECS and Barbados with goods and services to the United States valued US$115.8 million (EC$312.6 million) in 2011; US$131 million (EC$353.7 million) in 2010; US$108.1 million (EC$291.8 million in 2009); US$123.9 million (EC$334.5 million) in 2008; US$110.7 million (EC$298.8 million) in 2007; US$127.2 million (EC$343.4 million) in 2006; US$94.1 million (EC$254 million) in 2005; US$60.3 million (EC$162.8 million) in 2004; US$58.8 million (EC$158.7 million) in 2003; US$49.5 million (EC$133.6 million) in 2002; US$40.3 million (EC$108.8 million) in 2001 and US$58.3 million (EC$157.4 million) in 2000.
St. Kitts and Nevis companies exporting to the United States and their products are Lutron Liamuiga (dimmer switches and fan speed controls); API Harowe (St. Kitts) Ltd (small motors, PC Board Assemblies, Rotor Assemblies and resolvers); Kajola-Kristada (connectors, filters, trap and surface mounts; for the Cable TV and Communications Industry); CSR/DDL (CSR rum/brand), Brinley (flavoured rum products) and Jaro Electronics (industrial motors and transformers. Although Caribelle Batik does not directly ship its products in boxes to the United States, visiting American tourists accounted for a large percentage of sales.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/newsitem_new.asp?articlenumber=4038&post200803=true
Apr 26 American Airlines maintains leading carrier status into Robert Bradshaw Airport
American Airlines continues to be the leading passenger carrier into St. Kitts' Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
The St. Christopher and Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), which reported a total of 12,874 passenger arrivals in March, disclosed that American Airlines brought in 6,243 passengers on 50 flights, while its commuter carrier brought in 705 from 28 flights, a total of 6,945 passengers from 78 flights.
The second leading carrier was LIAT with 2,384 passengers from 185 flights, followed by British Airways with 900 passengers on 9 flights.
SCASPA's Department of Finance and Statistics reported that next in line was Delta Air with 842 passengers from five flights; US Airways, 664 passengers from five flights; Air Canada, 586 passengers from five flights and Miami Air charter, 171 passengers from 2 flights. WINAIR brought in 108 passengers from 50 flights, Trans Anguilla, 44 passengers from 14 flights and Air Anguilla, 12 passengers from 7 flights.
SCAPA reported a 16 percent increase in passengers arrivals in March, an 11 percent increase in flights inward and outward bound flights into the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/newsitem_new.asp?articlenumber=3687&post200803=true
Nov 01 St. Kitts & Nevis greenhouse will be largest in Taiwan's 23 ally countries
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 1ST 2012 (CUOPM) - A 16,000 square feet green house under construction at the Agro-Tourism Farm at Sir Gilles, will be largest green house in Taiwan's 23 diplomatic ally countries around the world.
This was pointed out by Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Miguel Tsao, during a site visit by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
The building when completed will consist of 1,600 pieces of glass weighing 24 tons and secured by 12,000 screws.
Ambassador Tsao noted that the entire structure remained unscathed after the passage of the recent tropical storm Rafael.
"That is a living proof that the foundation of the building is solid and strong like our friendship as well. The tempered glasses which require very skillful and sophisticated work will be put in place shortly. I do believe with our joint and painstaking effort, we will finish up in November," said the Taiwan diplomat.
He pointed out that with the completion of the first phase, work will begin on the visitor's center, tea house and the main gate as our 2nd phase job.
"We will keep in touch with renowned Taiwan Overseas Construction Company to embark on the 2nd phase and also to hire local constructors and workers from the Federation. So we can be able to wrap up the 2nd phase before the next hurricane season starts," said Ambassador Tsao.
He also disclosed that the 2nd phase of the street solar lights from Sandy Point to St. Paul's and along with Newtown Ground Touristic Farm is going to start from November.
"I harbour the hope that we can see the light up of the solar street light in this area in the Christmas Season," said Ambassador Tsao, who expressed his appreciation to the committee led by Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade and Prime Minister Douglas.
Source: http://www.cuopm.com/newsitem_new.asp?articlenumber=3367&post200803=true
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