Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 16th 2021 (ZIZ News) The Government has further extended a previous travel advisory Applying to travellers from Brazil, the United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa.
Persons intending to travel from these aforementioned destinations are once again advised not to travel to St. Kitts and Nevis at this time.
The advisory which was originally issued on February 7, 2021 has been further extended for an additional 30 days, effective April 8, 2021.
The decision comes amid three new variants of Covid-19 – from Brazil, South Africa and the UK – being identified in a number of CARICOM territories since February.
According to a statement, these variants continue to be cause for concern for the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, particularly as this UK mutation of the original virus is deemed to be far more transmissible and has a higher likelihood of death from the symptoms of Covid-19.
The statement advises that persons intending to travel from these aforementioned destinations must be approved by the Ministry of National Security, following the process stipulated on the online platform www.knatravelform.kn.
Citizens and legal residents returning from any of the aforementioned countries will not be denied reentry into the Country, but must also process their travel requests through the online platform www.knatravelform.kn.
]]>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 22, 2021 (SKNIS): Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, welcomed Mr. Philippe Martinez and the MSR Media to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to commence production of the international comedy film “One Year Off”.
A media briefing was hosted by MSR Media at Christophe Harbour Marina on Sunday, March 21, where government officials including Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, the Honourable Lindsay Grant, the Honourable Mark Brantley, the Honourable Wendy Phipps, the Honourable Vincent Byron Jr, the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, members of the National COVID-19 Task Force, permanent secretaries, management and staff of St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and other invited guests including the President of St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Mrs. Giselle Matthews, were introduced to the cast and crew of the production team, led by producer Mr. Phillippe Martinez.
The film will be the first of a two-movie production deal between UK production and sales firm MSR Media and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA).
In speaking to MSR Media, the Honourable Minister said that “we are delighted to welcome you to the shores so that they can have the opportunity to capture the essence of both of the islands that make up our twin-island administration.
He continued, “As you travel our beautiful island, you will be struck by our authenticity, rooted in our flourishing culture and exemplified by our warm, genuine people.”
“You will be stirred by our history which once saw this island the epicentre of the sugar trade in the Americas … and you will be inspired by our natural beauty and excited by the potential these attributes represent as you discover what we are today and what we can be tomorrow,” said Minister Grant.
Minister Grant also said that “today, you will see a modern infrastructure behind our ‘Caribbean-of-50-years-ago’ charm.”
These modern infrastructures include, “a world-class airport capable of landing the largest jets from North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, daily service of FedEx, our KayanJet luxury FBO to service aircraft, a paved road system surrounding the island and a cruise port that can simultaneously accommodate two Oasis-class vessels,” Minister Grant said.
“We are confident that what you will find in St. Kitts has the makings of an ideal filming destination,” he said.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 22, 2021) – – Nevis’ burgeoning film industry is providing a boost not only to the economy on Nevis, where movie production is currently underway, but also to the sister island of St. Kitts.
Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, said he was pleased that the effort of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to establish a film industry on the island, is benefitting both St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I am delighted that a film industry born from the urgent need of the Nevis Island Administration to diversify the Nevisian economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic has now taken flight and expanded to our sister island of St. Kitts to equally assist in the diversification of the St. Kitts economy.
“When we are concerned about national development, we quickly recognize that positive development on either island benefits both islands,” he stated.
The Premier’s comments came against the backdrop of MSR Media filming scenes at Christophe Harbour on St. Kitts on March 21, 2021, for the comedy “One Year Off”. The movie, which started filming on Nevis late February 2021, is the first of a multi feature film production deal between the UK–based film and television production company and the NIA.
Hon. Brantley praised the efforts of key players on Nevis for their roles in jump-starting the new industry on the island.
“I publicly applaud and thank again the team at the Nevis Tourism Authority headed by Ms. Jadine Yarde, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Colin Dore, Permanent Secretary in the NIA’s Ministry of Finance; and Mr. Jacob Katsman for their excellent negotiating skills in attracting MSR Media to Nevis.
“Their hard work and the vision of the NIA is now benefiting not only Nevis but our beloved sister St. Kitts as well.
“MSR Media and my dear friend Philippe Martinez have found a home here and we look forward to building out the architecture for a serious film industry on Nevis and in the wider Federation,” he told the Department of Information on March 22, 2021.
Mr. Philippe Martinez, MSR Media producer and director of the film “One Year Off”, recently indicated that the company is in negotiations with the NIA to film a total of six movies in Nevis over the next 12 months.
Mr. Martinez has credited Premier Brantley’s keen ambition to create a new industry on Nevis as the catalyst for MSR Media coming to the Federation.
“All of that has been possible because of Mark’s vision…
“I would like to thank Premier Mark Brantley. We spoke first right before Christmas [2020]. He told me about his vision to build a film industry in Nevis and I thought it was exciting, because sometimes politicians don’t see the bigger picture of the film industry,” he said in an interview in February 2021, while filming on location in Nevis.
]]>Today, Monday, March 15th St. Kitts and Nevis joins the rest of the international community in observing World Consumer Rights Day, under the theme: “Tackling Plastic Pollution”. The theme is meant to raise awareness and effect positive consumer attitudes and practices insofar as sustainable development is concerned. In fact, the theme builds on the one for last year – “The Sustainable Consumer” and focuses on the key role of governments, consumer rights’ groups, civil society and the private sector in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.
Each year, since March 15th 1983, the United Kingdom (UK) based Consumers International (CI) sets aside time to showcase the importance of protecting all of us as global citizens – since we are, by definition, the consumers of goods and services which the world produces. The 60-year old CI uses the annual celebration of World Consumer Rights Day to focus on its mandate of supporting the creation of, and mission of consumer advocacy groups and agencies in some 100 countries. The choice of March 15th is also not accidental, given that it was on this date in 1962 when former United States President, the late John F. Kennedy would have become the first global leader to highlight consumer rights, in an address to Congress. In that statement, President Kennedy stressed to lawmakers the imperative of protecting consumer interests by ensuring that consumers are not made victims of “fraudulent or misleading advertisements and labels”. President Kennedy also emphasized the needs to make every legislative effort to protect consumers “against unsafe or worthless drugs and other products”; and to safeguard the consumers’ rights to choose from a variety of products at competitive prices.
As St. Kitts and Nevis joins in the celebration of World Consumer Rights Day under the theme “Tackling Plastic Pollution”, it is an opportunity for us as consumers, business owners and as Government to place significant emphasis on the need for environmental protection from the harmful effects associated with the improper disposal of the plastic waste we generate on a daily basis. Governments and environmentalists alike are aware of the many benefits of plastic, particularly its usefulness in our daily lives. There is ample evidence to support the facts that plastic is cheap and relatively safe to use; that it is easily converted into any conceivable shape; that it is strong and durable; that it has been proven to be a game changing material in multiple production process since the 1950s; and that its pervasive use has brought countless benefits to industries such as health and wellness, engineering, food and beverage, agriculture, and information and communications technology (ICT). Research also supports the fact that since its introduction into production processes some 70 years ago, over 8.3 billion metric tonnes of the material have been produced.
Regrettably, in spite of its many uses, the manner in which we, as consumers, have mishandled plastic after use, is now cause for growing concern, given its negative impact on our environment and ecosystems. So grave is the urgency with which plastic pollution must be tackled in a sustainable manner, that every global citizen has a responsibility to implement measures that address the effective disposal and/or replacement of plastics in production. To do otherwise would result in detrimental and irreversible consequences for life on land and in water – given that the problems will transcend human, animal, plant and marine life as we know it – all of which are addressed in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #3: Good Health and Well-being; #6: Clean Water and Sanitation; #14: Life Below Water; and #15: Life of Land.
In Breaking the Plastic Wave, a report produced by The Pew Charitable Trusts & SYSTEMIQ in August 2020, it was strongly noted that in order to effectively address plastic pollution, a global response was warranted – one that requires well-coordinated, synchronized and international solutions that are sustainable in nature. The justification for this approach is based on the following facts that emerged from the report:
The Department of Consumer Affairs has planned an entire week of activities to showcase World Consumer Rights Day. Among the major events planned for Consumer Awareness Week are the following:
As Minister of International Trade, Industry, Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Labour I am happy to have been given the opportunity to address you on World Consumer Rights Day and to officially open Consumer Affairs Week 2021.
May God bless us all. Thank you for your attention.
LONDON
(AP News) — Prince Harry and Meghan’s explosive TV interview divided people around the world on Monday, rocking an institution that is struggling to modernize with claims of racism and callousness toward a woman struggling with suicidal thoughts.During the two-hour appearance with Oprah Winfrey, Harry also revealed the problems had ruptured relations with his father, Prince Charles, and brother, Prince William, illuminating the depth of the family divisions that led the couple to step away from royal duties and move to California last year.
The palace has not yet responded to the interview, in which Meghan described feeling so isolated and miserable inside the royal family that she had suicidal thoughts and said a member of the family had “concerns” about the color of her unborn child’s skin.
The family member was not Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, according to Harry, sparking a flurry of speculation about who it could be.
Leaders around the world were asked about the interview, and citizens of many countries had an opinion.
In Accra, Ghana, Devinia Cudjoe said that hearing that a member of the royal family was worried about the color of the skin of an unborn child was insulting to people of the Commonwealth, the grouping of Britain and its former colonies that is headed by the queen.
“That is pure racism,” Cudjoe said. “(The) Commonwealth is supposed to foster unity, oneness amongst black people, amongst white people. But if we are hearing things like this … I think that is below the belt.”
In Nairobi, Kenya, Rebecca Wangare called Meghan “a 21st- century icon of a strong woman. She has faced racism head-on.”
Asma Sultan, a journalist in Karachi, Pakistan, said the interview “is going to tarnish the image of the royal family.”
“There is so much controversy ever since Diana’s death, so it is new Pandora box which is opened up,” she said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to comment on the interview, praising the queen but saying that “when it comes to matters to do with the royal family the right thing for a prime minister to say is nothing.”
Asked whether U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill had any reaction to the interview, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Meghan’s decision to speak about her struggles with mental health “takes courage” and “that’s certainly something the president believes in.”
But she said she wouldn’t offer additional comment on the situation “given these are private citizens, sharing their own story and their own struggles.”
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the interview bolstered his argument for Australia severing its constitutional ties to the British monarchy. Turnbull met the couple in April 2018, four months before he was replaced by current Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an internal power struggle within the conservative government.
“It’s clearly an unhappy family, or at least Meghan and Harry are unhappy. It seems very sad,” Turnbull told Australian Broadcasting Corp. “After the end of the queen’s reign, that is the time for us to say: OK, we’ve passed that watershed. Do we really want to have whoever happens to be the head of state, the king or queen of the U.K., automatically our head of state?”
Britain’s monarch is Australia’s head of state. Turnbull was a leading advocate for Australia selecting an Australian citizen as its head of state when he was chairman of the Australian Republican Movement from 1993 to 2000.
News of the interview was reported in Chinese state media, including the overseas edition of the ruling Communist Party’s flagship newspaper, People’s Daily, and was widely discussed on the popular Weibo social media platform.
The allegations are especially damaging because many observers hoped Harry and Meghan, who is biracial, would help the tradition-bound monarchy relate to an increasingly multicultural nation. In the early days of their marriage, Harry and Meghan joined William and his wife, Catherine, in projecting a glamorous, energetic image for the young royals.
That partnership was severed when Harry and Meghan left the country, saying they wanted to earn their own living and escape what they called intrusive, racist coverage by the British media.
But the interview brought that criticism into the palace itself, with the couple directing allegations of racism at an unidentified member of the royal family.
Meghan said that when she was pregnant with her son, Archie, Harry told her that the royal family had had “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born.”
Harry confirmed the conversation, saying: “I was a bit shocked.” He said he wouldn’t reveal who made the comment. Winfrey later said Harry told her the comment didn’t come from Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, his grandparents.
Meghan, 39, acknowledged she was naive at the start of her relationship with Harry and unprepared for the strictures of royal life. A successful actress before her marriage, she said she bridled at the controlling nature of being royal, squirming at the idea that she had to live on terms set by palace staff. This was compounded by the fact that the staff refused to help her when she faced racist attacks from the media and internet trolls, she said.
The situation became so difficult that at one point, “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” Meghan told Winfrey.
But when she sought help through the palace’s human resources department, she was told there was nothing it could do because she wasn’t an employee, Meghan said.
The implications for the interview — which was broadcast Sunday evening in the United States and will air in Britain on Monday night — are only beginning to be understood. Emily Nash, royal editor at Hello! Magazine, said the revelations had left her and many other viewers “shell-shocked.”
“I don’t see how the palace can ignore these allegations, they’re incredibly serious,” she said. “You have the racism allegations. Then you also have the claim that Meghan was not supported, and she sought help even from the HR team within the household and was told that she couldn’t seek help.”
The younger royals have made campaigning for support and awareness around mental health one of their priorities. But Harry said the royal family was completely unable to offer that support to its own members.
“For the family, they very much have this mentality of ‘This is just how it is, this is how it’s meant to be, you can’t change it, we’ve all been through it,’” Harry said.
The couple had faced severe criticism in the United Kingdom before the interview. Prince Philip, 99, is in a London hospital recovering from a heart procedure, and critics saw the decision to go forward as being a burden on the queen — even though CBS, rather than Harry and Meghan, dictated the timing of the broadcast.
In the United States, sympathy for the couple poured in. Tennis star Serena Williams, a friend who attended Harry and Meghan’s wedding, said on Twitter that the duchess’s words “illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s experienced.”
“The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimization are devastating, isolating and all too often lethal,” Williams added.
Britain could be less forgiving once the full interview is broadcast, since some see the pair as putting personal happiness ahead of public duty.
Meghan — then known as Meghan Markle, who had starred on the American TV legal drama “Suits” — married Harry at Windsor Castle in May 2018.
But even that was not what it seemed: The couple revealed in the interview that they exchanged vows in front of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby three days before their spectacular wedding ceremony at the castle.
Archie was born the following year and in a rare positive moment in the interview, the couple revealed their second child, due in the summer, would be a girl.
Harry said he had lived in fear of a repeat of the fate of his mother, Princess Diana, who was covered constantly by the press and died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi.
“What I was seeing was history repeating itself, but definitely far more dangerous — because then you add race in, and you add social media in,” Harry said.
Both Meghan and Harry praised the support they had received from the monarch.
“The queen has always been wonderful to me,” Meghan said.
But Harry revealed he currently has a poor relationship with William and said things got so bad with his father that at one point Prince Charles stopped taking his calls.
“There is a lot to work through there,” Harry said of his father. “I feel really let down. He’s been through something similar. He knows what pain feels like. And Archie is his grandson. I will always love him, but there is a lot of hurt that has happened.”
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 25, 2021) – – Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, has welcomed the announcement by MSR Media producer Mr. Philippe Martinez that the UK film and television production company intends to shoot a total of six films on the island.
Mr. Martinez’ announcement that a total of six films will be shot on Nevis came while the Premier was visiting the set for the first day of filming for “One Year Off” at Chrishi Beach, Nevis.
Mr. Brantley told the Department of Information, “The announcement today that the original two movies to be filmed in Nevis has increased to six movies is great news for the island and the fledgling film industry that we are seeking to develop.
“As my government seeks to diversify the Nevisian economy we are happy to have brought MSR Media to the island and appreciate that this industry will benefit the entire Federation with jobs and activity created across St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Mr. Martinez revealed MSR Media’s intention to shoot all six movies on the island over the next year.
“We’re going to make more movies here; since we’re here everybody loves it.
“So we’re discussing with the Premier about doing six movies over the next twelve months which is becoming a big partnership.
“But all of that has been possible because of Mark’s vision, so we are the pioneer to make this vision possible… It’s a big project for Nevis,” he said.
He thanked the Premier for his hospitality and partnership and extended thanks to the various government ministries and officials who continue to assist the film company’s undertakings.
“I would like to thank Premier Mark Brantley. We spoke first right before Christmas [2020]. He told me about his vision to build a film industry in Nevis and I thought it was exciting, because sometimes politicians don’t see the bigger picture of the film industry.
“This is an industry that brings tremendous publicity, we’re creating jobs. We brought a team from the UK, from Bulgaria, from the US, and one of the missions of our team is to teach the art of making movies to people from Nevis and people from St. Kitts, so it’s a big thing,” he said.
MSR Media and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) signed an agreement for the production of two films on Nevis in 2021, the first being One Year Off, which is schedule to finish filming in May 2021.
For the first film, ‘One Year Off’ thirty two locals and residents have been hired full time with the film crew, eight have been cast for speaking roles in the film, and over 160 persons have secured roles as supporting artistes.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 7th, 2020 (ZIZ News) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws says whether or not a traveler entering the federation has received the covid19 vaccine, all persons must be quarantined for 14 days.
She was at the time answering a question posed the NEOC briefing on Wednesday.
“If an individual in the United Kingdom received any of the three vaccines and travel to St. Kitts, yes they would have to be quarantined for 14 days.”
Dr. Laws said there are some non-assurances associated with the vaccines that have prompted the federation’s health authorities to take this stance.
“The manufacturers of the three front runners or the vaccine candidates that have been rolled out, they are saying that the vaccine prevents you from getting severe disease and it prevents death from covid19,” she said. “That’s the assurance we have from being vaccinated with either of these three vaccines, however if an individual is vaccinated, there is no guarantee that the individual will not contract the disease and then there is no guarantee that if the individual contracts covid19 that they can’t pass it on to others.”
Every traveler will be in quarantine for 14 days and tested to ensure the virus is not present before being allowed to integrate into society.
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Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 07, 2021 (SKNIS): There is a new variant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 found in South Africa and Nigeria, and a new variant spreading across most of England, reported the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws, during the January 06 National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) COVID-19 Press Briefing.
“The science seems to suggest that these three strains of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus are different,” she said. “The scientists seem to have done quite a bit of work on the new variant that is circulating in the United Kingdom (UK). What they are saying is that this new variant is highly more transmissible than the virus’ previous version.”
Because of this, the UK is experiencing a surge in the number of cases. Dr. Laws said that on January 05, 2021, the number of new daily confirmed cases in the UK topped 60,000 for the first time. The BBC stated that the number of patients in hospitals in the UK is 40 times higher than what they experienced during the first peak in 2020.
“As a result of that, England is in its third national lockdown coming into force yesterday and this may extend until approximately mid-February of this year,” said the Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Laws stated that the new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is more transmissible at 56 to 70 percent than the previous forms; it spreads more easily between people; does not seem to make people sicker; however, it will spread faster and infect more people and because of this, the death toll will increase.
The Chief Medical Officer said that as a result of this, returning nationals from the UK must be quarantined (confined to their rooms) for the two-week quarantine period. They will then have the requisite RT-PCR test done. Once it is negative, they will be able to integrate into society.
“Once you are a returning national from the United Kingdom, you won’t be allowed to vacation in place,” she said. “You will be quarantined and confined to your rooms for the two-week period.”
According to the New York Times, the new variant has been found in Colorado and California. It is rare now in the United States. Dr. Laws stated that more testing needs to be done to determine the extent and ultimately its prevalence in the United States.
]]>BASSETERRE (12th December, 2020): St. Kitts & Nevis has added a new property to the list of Travel Approved hotels for International Travelers and a new quarantine property for Nationals/Residents as the twin-island nation welcomes more visitors and returning Nationals/Residents to its shores. All other travel requirements outlined below remain unchanged and should be referred to by those planning a trip to the Federation during Phase 1 of the reopening.
All incoming passengers to St. Kitts & Nevis are required to complete the Travel Authorization Form, which can be found at www.knatravelform.kn, prior to their arrival. International travelers must have their negative RT-PCR test and booked accommodation to complete the Travel Authorization Form required for entry. Once the form is completed and submitted, with a valid email address, it will be reviewed, and the visitor will receive an approval letter to enter the Federation (letter as pictured below).
The Federation’s phased approach for reopening outlines the specific travel requirements for travelers arriving by Air and Sea for Phase 1.
A. Travelers arriving by Air (Private Jets, Charters and Commercial Aircraft) please note below:
International Travelers (Non-Nationals/Non-Residents)
Travelers coming from the Caribbean (including those within the “CARICOM travel bubble”), US, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa and South America. These travelers must meet the following requirements:
Complete the Travel Authorization Form on the national website (www.knatravelform.kn) and upload an official COVID 19 RT-PCR negative test result from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEC 17025 standard, taken prior to 72 hours of travel. They should also bring a copy of the negative COVID 19 RT-PCR test for their trip.
Undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire.
Download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app (full details yet to be released), to be used for the first 14 days of travel or less.
1-7 days: visitors are free to move about the hotel property, interact with other guests and partake in hotel activities.
8-14 days: visitors will undergo a RT-PCR test (USD 150, visitors’ cost) on day 7. If the traveler tests negative on day 8 they are allowed, through the hotel’s tour desk, to book select excursions and access select destination sites (details on available tours below).
14 days or longer: visitors will need to undergo a RT-PCR test (USD 150, visitors’ cost) on day 14, and if they test negative the traveler will be allowed to integrate into St. Kitts and Nevis.
Travelers staying 7 nights or less, are required to take a RT-PCR test (USD 150, visitors’ cost) 72 hours prior to departure. The RT-PCR test will be done on the hotel property, at the nurse’s station. The Ministry of Health will advise the respective hotel, of the date and time for the traveler’s RT-PCR test before departure. If positive before departure, the traveler will be required to stay in isolation at their cost, at their respective hotel. If negative, travelers will proceed with departure on their respective date.
Upon arrival if a traveler’s RT-PCR test is outdated, falsified or if they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 they will be required to undergo a RT-PCR test at the airport at their own cost.
Approved hotels for international travelers are:
Four Seasons
Golden Rock Inn
Koi Resort, by Curio, Hilton
Marriott Vacation Beach Club
Paradise Beach
Park Hyatt
Royal St. Kitts Hotel
St. Kitts Marriott Resort
International travelers who would like to stay at private rental home or condo must stay at a property that has been pre-approved as a quarantine housing at their own cost, including security. Please submit request to info@stkittstourism.kn.
At this time the only tour open to International Travelers is the Kittitian Highlights tour which includes a visit to Timothy Hill overlook, the capital city of Basseterre’s historical sites and Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Returning Nationals, Residents (proof of residency stamp in passport), Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME) certificate holders and Work Permit Holders
Travelers who are returning Nationals, Residents (proof of residency stamp in passport), Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME) certificate holders and Work Permit Holders). These travelers must meet the following requirements:
Complete the Travel Authorization Form on the national website (www.knatravelform.kn) and upload an official COVID 19 RT-PCR negative test result from a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab accredited with ISO/IEC 17025 standard, taken prior to 72 hours of travel. They should also bring a copy of the negative COVID 19 RT-PCR test for their trip.
Undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire.
Download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app (full details yet to be released), to be used for the first 14 days of travel or less.
Any traveler in this category will be allowed entry into the Federation and transported to approved accommodations, where they will stay at their cost for 14-days in quarantine. The cost for quarantine at the Government facility at Bird Rock Apartment Complex is USD 500.00, OTI is USD 500.00, at Potworks it is USD 400.00 and the cost for each COVID-19 test is USD 100.00. Returning nationals and residents may also opt to stay in pre-approved quarantine housing at their own cost, including appropriate security.
The approved accommodations are:
Bird Rock Apartment Complex
Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI)
Oualie Beach Resort
Potworks
Royal St. Kitts Hotel
Any traveler in this category who wishes to stay in one of the eight (8) approved hotels for “Vacation in Place,” for International Travelers are required to do the following:
1-7 days: nationals/resident visitors are free to move about the hotel property, interact with other guests and partake in hotel activities.
8 -14 days: nationals/resident visitors will undergo a RT-PCR test (USD 150, nationals/resident visitors’ cost) on day 7. If the traveler tests negative on day 8 they are allowed, through the hotel’s tour desk, to book select excursions and access select destination sites (listed above under requirements for International Travelers).
14 days or longer: nationals/resident visitors will need to undergo a RT-PCR test (USD 150, nationals/ resident visitors’ cost) on day 14, and if they test negative the traveler will be allowed to integrate into St. Kitts and Nevis
In-Transit Passengers
Passengers who are in-transit at RLB Airport must observe the following requirements:
Show a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result upon arrival
Must wear a mask at all times
Undergo a focused health screening at the airport
Must remain in the airport after clearing customs
Travelers may consult TestforTravel.com to find a lab in their area that offers RT-PCR testing that can be completed in the required 72-hour window. Please note, the traveler is responsible for confirming that the lab is a CLIA/CDC/UKAS approved lab with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, as results from a non-accredited laboratory will not be accepted.
The information contained on TestforTravel.com is for information purposes only. The St. Kitts Tourism Authority and Nevis Tourism Authority have no affiliation with TestforTravel.com and are not endorsing this list or the particular labs listed therein. Neither the St. Kitts & Nevis Tourism Authority nor the Nevis Tourist Authority make representations or warranties of whatever nature in respect to TestforTravel.com including, but not limited to, the accuracy or completeness of any information and facts contained therein.
B. Travelers Arriving by Sea (Private Vessels e.g. Yachts) please note below:
Travelers arriving via the country’s seaports must meet the following requirements:
Complete the Travel Authorization Form on the national website (www.knatravelform.kn) including evidence of a negative RT-PCR test. The test must be done 72 hours prior to departing the last port of call or conducted before departure if they are at sea longer than 3 days.
The vessel will be required to dock at one of six ports, submit the Maritime Declaration of Health to the port health officer and interact with other border agencies. The six ports are: The Deepwater Port, Port Zante, Christophe Harbor, New Guinea (St. Kitts Marine Works), Charlestown Pier and Long Point Port.
These travelers will be processed accordingly and will vacation in place or quarantine as previously outlined. The prescribed quarantine time will be determined by the vessels or ships transit time from the last of port of call to their arrival to the Federation. Transit time must be supported by official documentation and sail clear advance notification system.
Yachts and pleasure vessels over 80 feet must quarantine at Christophe Harbor in St. Kitts. Yachts and pleasure vessels less than 80 feet must quarantine at the following locations: Ballast Bay in St. Kitts, Pinney’s Beach and Gallows in Nevis. There is a fee to monitor yachts and pleasure vessels that are less than 80 feet that are in quarantine (fee to be announced later).
The CDC currently rates St. Kitts & Nevis as Level 1: Low Risk of COVID-19, having had only 27 cases of the coronavirus, no deaths and no community spread.
Stakeholders in every sector of the industry have been trained in our health and safety protocols, which include a comprehensive system of inspection and monitoring to encourage everyone to maintain the basic standards. Stakeholders who have participated in the training receive a certificates and business who have been inspected and meet the “Travel Approved” criteria, will receive their “Travel Approved” Seal.
Specifically, the “Travel Approved” program achieves two things:
Visitors will also be asked to follow basic health and safety protocols of frequent handwashing and or sanitizing, physical distancing and mask wearing. Masks are required whenever the visitor is outside of their hotel room.
Travelers should regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (www.stkittstourism.kn) and Nevis Tourism Authority (www.nevisisland.com) websites for updates and information.
Specifically, the “Travel Approved” program achieves two things:
Visitors will also be asked to follow basic health and safety protocols of frequent handwashing and or sanitizing, physical distancing and mask wearing. Masks are required whenever the visitor is outside of their hotel room.
Travelers should regularly check the St. Kitts Tourism Authority (www.stkittstourism.kn) and Nevis Tourism Authority (www.nevisisland.com) websites for updates and information.
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Civil Service College are launching a new professional development programme aimed at new Government Ministers. The ‘From Backbencher to Minister’ programme is designed to equip new Ministers with the skills and tools to perform their roles more effectively.
The new five-day programme, to be hosted in London, UK from 12-16 July 2021, combines classroom engagements with experiential learning and will walk new Ministers through their responsibilities, identifying the skills necessary for effective leadership of government departments. Topics covered by the programme will include ‘Communicating a Minister’s Priorities’, ‘Managing a Minister’s Private Office’ and ‘The Role of Special Advisers’. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Parliament’s House of Lords and the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, with an evening dinner held at the Palace of Westminster on the opening night.
The CPA is a network of over 17,000 Commonwealth Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff with a well-established reputation for delivering high-quality professional development programmes for its members. The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said: “This new programme, that the CPA is supporting in partnership with the Civil Service College, will provide a unique opportunity for professional development for Government Ministers and bring new skills and tools to the role. As a former UK Government Minister myself, I know the effectiveness of individual Ministers can depend on their skills and so this programme is likely to have a significant impact on their effectiveness.”
The Civil Service College is a leading provider of high quality, bespoke training for those working in the public sector and civil service. Sonny Leong CBE, Civil Service College Chief Executive and Chair of the Council for Education in the Commonwealth, said: “The job of a Minister is a strange one – there is no job description, no application, no interview: you are appointed to be a chief decision-maker of a large and complex department that you may know absolutely nothing about. Isn’t it strange that there is no training provided to new Ministers on how to do their job? We are pleased to be partnering with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on this programme for new Ministers from across the Commonwealth to share their experiences and gain insights from current and past Ministers.”
The new ‘From Backbencher to Minister’ course will draw upon the knowledge of industry experts with extensive experience working in government. Led by ex-Ministers, parliamentarians and civil servants, the comprehensive introduction to the role of Government Minster provided by this programme will provide new Ministers with the best possible foundation to ensure a smooth and fast transition into their position.
The new ‘From Backbencher to Minister’ course will run from 12-16 July 2021 in London, UK. For further details please visit https://www.
To book a place on the programme, please contact Ade Arimoro: ade@
BASSETERRE (25th November, 2020): St. Kitts & Nevis were recently recognized as one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets by Lonely Planet.
Editors noted that the twin-island nations have lovely beaches, plenty of land and water activities and a rich history. They also highlighted the local culture, which is known for welcoming, friendly people who love to be limin’.
Lonely Planet is a leading travel guide publisher with an eponymous magazine that publishes issues in the U.K and U.S. Their award-winning website provides travel guides, original ideas, practical tips and advice as well as news in the industry. The website averages over 12.9 million unique visitors every month reaching readers across our source markets in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.
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Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 31st , 2020 (ZIZ News):
St. Kitts and Nevis reopened its borders to international travellers on Saturday October 31 2020 after a 7 month closure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, the Federation will observe a phased reopening with specific entry and travel requirements to be observed by visitors. The travel requirements outlined here are for Phase 1 which will designate visitors into three categories: Travelers from the CARICOM Member States that are part of the “Caribbean bubble”, International travelers outside the “Caribbean bubble” and Returning Nationals/Residents.
Travelers from within the “Caribbean bubble” include those traveling from Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia & St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Travelers from the “Caribbean Bubble” can stay at private homes, condos, villas or “Travel Approved” certified hotel properties including Hermitage Inn, Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa, Montpelier Plantation & Beach, Golden Rock Inn, Sugar Bay Club and Timothy Beach Resort.
International travellers include persons coming from outside of the “Caribbean bubble” including the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa and South America. These travelers must complete the Travel Authorization Form on the website, www.knatravelform.kn and submit a negative PCR test completed within 72-hours of travel from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory; undergo a health screening at the airport which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire; Download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app to be used for the first 14 days of travel or less.
Approved hotels for international travelers are Four Seasons, Koi Resort by Curio, Hilton
Marriott Vacation Beach Club, Paradise Beach Nevis, Park Hyatt, Royal St. Kitts Hotel and the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
All residents and visitors alike are asked to follow basic health and safety protocols of frequent handwashing and or sanitizing, maintaining the required social and physical distancing as well as mandatory mask wearing during this time.
St. Kitts is expected to receive its first commercial flight on November 7th. This flight will be an American airlines flight from Miami.
On March 25, 2020, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis closed the borders to all commercial airline flights to protect citizens and residents against the spread of the Novel Coronavirus.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS October 23, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration) — The following is a press release from the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) regarding special entry requirements for phased reopening of the island to international visitors.
The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) is pleased to announce a phased reopening of the island to international travellers, starting October 31st, 2020. Visitors must observe strict entry requirement protocols, designed by the twin-island Federation to protect the health and safety of citizens, residents and guests.
International travellers coming from the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Africa, South America, and everyone travelling from outside of the CARICOM member states, must complete the Entry Form on the federal website (www.covid19.gov.kn), submit a negative PCR test completed within 72-hours of travel from an accredited laboratory, undergo a health screening at the airport and download the SKN COVID-19 contact tracing mobile app (to be used for the first 14 days of travel or less).
During their first week on island, visitors are required to vacation in place at their hotel property, where they may interact with other guests and partake in hotel activities. Those staying longer will be required to undergo a PCR-test at their expense on day 7 of their visit. Once the traveller tests negative on day 7, they are allowed, through the hotel’s tour desk, to book select excursions.
Visitors staying longer will be required to undergo a second PCR-test on day 14, at their expense; if they test negative the traveller will be allowed to freely explore the island and mingle with the local population.
“We are looking forward to extending a warm Nevisian welcome to our international visitors, and we are excited that we now have a confirmed date and will shortly be reopening,” said Jadine Yarde, CEO, Nevis Tourism Authority.
“We have made extensive preparations to ensure that our guests are protected while enjoying our superior Nevis vacation experiences, and our stakeholders are protected while delivering the exceptional service and hospitality that we are known for,” she continued.
The Four Seasons Resort, Nevis and the Oualie Beach Resort are the approved hotels for international travellers in this first phase of the reopening.
With the start of both American Airlines service from Miami, and British Airways service from London Gatwick into St. Kitts (SKB) on November 7th, visitors will have easy access to Nevis, via a 10-minute water taxi ride from St. Kitts.
Cape Air is expected to resume service from San Juan directly into Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV) on November 20th.
In preparation for the reopening, stakeholders in every sector of the industry have been trained in health and safety protocols by the Nevis Tourism Authority and the Nevis Ministry of Health, just one component of a multi-faceted Health Campaign currently underway.
Stakeholders who have completed the training, and businesses which have been inspected and meet the “Travel Approved” criteria, receive their “Travel Approved” Seal, which identifies them as having undergone the mandatory training to meet the minimum health and safety COVID-19 standards.
A series of entertaining and educational jingles, PSAs and billboards remind residents and visitors to follow the basic health and safety protocols of frequent hand washing and or sanitizing, physical distancing and mask wearing.
Masks are required whenever the visitor is outside of their hotel room. Specially branded Nevis Naturally face masks created by the NTA, will be available at the ports on island.
For travel and tourism information on Nevis please visit the Nevis Tourism Authority website at www.nevisisland.com; and follow us on Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).
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