Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 15, 2021 (SKNIS): As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect the health of citizens and residents and resuscitate the tourism-based economy, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, continues to advise the general public to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.
Prime Minister Harris made another pitch to the general public to get vaccinated during the virtual forum series ‘Leadership Matters’ on April 13.
“Our economy is driven, in a significant part, by tourism. Last year, we saw the serious impact that arises from having no tourists—our hotels closed, persons lost their jobs, our Severance Fund has unprecedented claims and the Federal Government has to supplement the Fund,” he said.“As part of our plan to protect your jobs and to protect our economy, we must ensure that our country is as ready as we can to welcome tourists.”
He added: “The more people who are vaccinated, the safer persons feel about travelling, studying, and investing in our country. It was our safety which brought MSR Productions here and with it, we will benefit from six movies. It is our safety that brought back 650 Ross University students.”
He said that it was imperative that adults 18 years and older get vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity so that the Federation’s economy can fully open up.
“It means more jobs can be created and more opportunities will arise, especially for our young people,” said Prime Minister Harris.
He said that nothing can be more concerning than having no jobs and putting oneself at risk for contracting COVID-19, saying that some persons are “playing political games, putting their own needs ahead of your health.”
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 24, 2021) – – The efforts of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to launch a film industry on Nevis continues to pay dividends as MSR Media has announced April 15, 2021 as the start date to begin filming a second successive movie on the island.
Premier Hon. Mark Brantley, Minister of Tourism and Foreign Investment in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) welcomed the news.
“I am excited that MSR Media has completed its first film here on Nevis and is due to start its second film shortly. This is consistent with the commitment made by MSR Media to my government as we work together to diversify the Nevis economy and create a film industry for the island of Nevis and the wider Federation,” he said during an interview with the Department of Information on March 24, 2021.
Mr. Brantley, who is the Minister of Finance in the NIA, highlighted the economic boost to St. Kitts and Nevis and the transfer of skills for locals resulting from the government’s partnership with MR Media.
“I am also delighted that scenes for this movie will be shot on our sister island of St. Kitts so that our brothers and sisters on St Kitts can be a part of this incredible new industry, and witness first-hand the benefits to be derived from the film industry.
“This is a manifestation of the vision of this CCM-led government and I am delighted to spearhead this effort as Premier of our beloved Nevis,” he said.
According to Mr. Philippe Martinez, MSR Media producer and director, the UK-based company is wrapping up filming “One Year Off”, on Friday, March 26, 2021.
“This movie finishes on Friday and on April 15 we are starting to produce a new movie with Tom Paton.
“He is going to direct the movie “Assailant” which is a thriller,” he revealed at a media briefing on March 21, 2021.
Mr. Martinez told the Department of Information he is eager for cameras to roll on the second movie the company is filming on Nevis.
“I am very excited about “Assailant”, MSR Media’s next production.
“Tom Paton is a young, talented British director who has created a very suspenseful thriller, taking advantage of all of the natural cinematic beauty of Nevis,” he said.
As part of the NIA’s progressive agenda to diversify the Nevis economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government entered into a partnership with MSR Media in January 2021 for an initial two-movie production deal.
Soon after the cast and crew of the comedy “One Year Off” began filming on the island, Mr. Martinez announced that MSR Media would be filming a total of six movies on Nevis over the next year.
“So our plan is to make six movies. Actually I believe it has already been discussed with the government [NIA]…
“We only have one real problem, which is very challenging for a producer, the actors don’t want to leave [Nevis]; they want to stay here.
“We love it here, and that’s because you have made us feel very welcome,” he said.
“One Year Off”, the first movie to be produced entirely on Nevis was filmed at various locations on the island including Chrishi Beach Club, Golden Rock Inn, and the world renowned Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill on Pinneys Beach.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 24, 2021 (SKNIS): Officials in the Ministry of Entertainment and Talent Development are making connections with film producers currently in St. Kitts and Nevis in a bid to further develop the local film industry.
Minister responsible for Entertainment and Talent Development, the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, credited personnel within the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for assisting the interaction between officials from the government, MSR Productions, and producers from the reality show “Below Deck.”
Below Deck is being filmed at Park Hyatt in St. Kitts, while MSR Productions is filming a movie titled “One Year Off” in Nevis.
“The feedback so has been very good, and we are looking forward to furthering discussions with them as we try to develop that industry here in St. Kitts and Nevis …,” Minister Byron-Nisbett said at the Prime Minister’s Monthly Press Conference on March 23, 2021.
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris stated that in addition to producing “One Year Off,” the principal of MSR Productions has “promised to deliver” six more movies this year.
Dr. Harris expressed that the production of additional films augurs well for the development of the local film and creative arts industry. It will also assist with added visibility for the twin-island Federation, which is expected to produce additional tourism-related opportunities.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 23, 2021 (SKNIS): Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris stated that the Federation has found a new niche in tourism in the movie-making industry.
He said this during his monthly press conference on March 23, at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Conference Room in Lime Kiln.
The Honourable Prime Minister said that this new niche in Tourism “is a new and exciting opportunity that came our way as a result of our track record at managing COVID-19.”
He said, “Presently two (2) movies are being filmed in St. Kitts and Nevis, “Below Deck” at Park Hyatt St. Kitts, and “One Year Off” on Nevis.
“The Principal of MSR Productions has promised to deliver 6 movies this year. We are hopeful that the success of these 7 movies – Below Deck and 6 others augurs well for the future development of the film and creative industry,” said Prime Minister Harris. “This will bring much visibility to, and interest in St. Kitts and Nevis as the best place to visit, do business, and live.”
He also recognized persons who are in the hotel sector saying that “We appreciate the confidence in our economy.”
The Prime Minister outlined several hotel properties that are at advanced stages of completion. These properties include the Trinity Sunset Shores, Seaview Hotel, and Hillsborough Suites Hotel, all of which are expected to be completed during the course of the year 2021.
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