Pistana replaces William Hodge, who was the permanent secretary for the past six years.

“We are extremely grateful and value the contribution he has made to the education fraternity,” Hanley said. “With this being said, I am pleased to announce our new permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education Mrs. Lisa-Romayne Archibald-Pistana. She has worked within the field of education for over 19 years during which time she served as a Teacher, Principal, Education Officer and Deputy Chief Education Officer. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post.”

Other appointments include:

• Ms. Jamillah Bristol is the new Head Teacher of Beach Allen Primary School
• Mr. Javan Cannonier has assumed the post of Deputy Head Teacher at the Cayon Primary School
• Ms. Ulukia Bryan has accepted the post of Deputy Head Teacher at the Dieppe Bay Primary School

Minister Hanley said it is his intent to ensure that the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to lead in the area of education. Other takeways from the speech include the following:

• Students in public primary and secondary schools, first day of school will be on Wednesday 7th September, 2022.
• Revised COVID-19 protocols for schools
  • All persons seeking access into our educational institutions must sanitize their hands
  • The wearing of a mask is now optional, “but strongly encouraged in enclosed spaces.”
  • To avoid the spread of Covid 19, those who exhibiting symptoms should see the help of a medical professional prior to their return to school
• All significant dates, update covid19 protocols, and other relevant school information can be found in the Ministry of Education Guidelines for the Re-Opening of the School year by logging to www.Education.gov.kn
• Key message for the 2022-23 academic year “Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude,”
• The Ministry of Education’s goals for the 2022-2023 academic year focus on inclusivity and equity. We intend to provide every child equitable access to quality education in a safe child-friendly environment.
• Rebuilding Basseterre High School and converting all of our high schools into centers of excellence
•  Expanding our maintenance unit to incorporate skilled trade persons who will ensure the continued maintenance of our school plants
• strengthening the TVET sector through the provisions of certification at the end of the training period

“We made this difficult decision to postpone taking into consideration our 39th independence celebrations, where they are looking at hosting the independence parade the night of September 18th to usher in independence at midnight. We understand that this change may cause great inconvenience for you and we are sincerely sorry,” St. Juste said.

She again repeated that the Miss Phenomenal Queen Pageant has a new date which will be on Friday 23rd September, 2022.

“So get your tickets and prepare yourselves, it is going to be a good show. We thank you in advance for your patience and support,” St. Juste said.

As Minister of Agriculture, I am happy to report that your government is working diligently for you! We are making great strides toward creating and establishing a thriving cannabis industry.

Minister of Agriculture
The Hon. Samal Duggins

The newly formed Labour Administration seems to be moving forward to create a cannabis industry, with Cabinet meeting on Monday and deciding on the following:

• To review the laws decriminalizing possession and cultivation of certain quantities of marijuana in the Federation

• To initiate the long-anticipated Medical Marijuana Industry to create entrepreneurs, economic activity and to diversify the Federation’s tourism product

• To table legislation that would allow the Court to expunge the criminal records of persons convicted in the past of minor marijuana-related offences

• To table legislation that would protect the rights of cultivators

“Citizens and residents of St. Kitts-Nevis, we will continue to keep you informed on the progress of your government,” Minister Duggins said.

Cannabis in Saint Kitts and Nevis is illegal but decriminalized. Cannabis is grown on the islands for local consumption, previously in the mountainous interior for the most part, but more recently in abandoned sugar cane fields as well.

On February 20, 2019, the Unity Administration announced that cabinet had accepted the unanimous recommendations from the National Cannabis Commission and would introduce legislation to legalize medicinal cannabis and decriminalize recreational use for persons over the age of 18. Individuals found with under 15 grams of cannabis or growing less than 5 plants would only receive a ticket.

On May 3, 2019, High Court Judge Eddy Ventose ruled that Rastafarians and other adults over the age of 18 can use, possess, and cultivate cannabis in private and that the government has 90 days to change the cannabis laws in the country.

On July 31, 2019, a bill was passed by the National Assembly to decriminalize up to 15 grams of cannabis, punishable by $50 fine. For public use the fine was set at $1000.

In February 2020, the National Assembly of Saint Kitts and Nevis raised the allowed amount of cannabis to 56 grams.