Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 22, 2016 (SKNIS): The formal meeting of the Cabinet took place on Monday, June 20, 2016. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris.
[if !supportLists]1. [endif]Cabinet received a detailed report from the Police High Command on the conditions of police stations throughout the Federation. The report highlighted structural inadequacies, insect and rodent infestation, and general poor living conditions at two police stations in particular. Upon receiving the report, Cabinet noted the undesirable conditions and emphasized the importance of police officers working in conditions that are conducive to their optimal performance. The Public Works Department is to undertake a comprehensive review to the end of ensuring proper maintenance of government buildings in the future. The Police High Command also apprised the Cabinet of the state of the safety and security climate in the country and the logistical plan that is in place for the three-day St. Kitts Music Festival.
[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Cabinet was given a presentation by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) on the successful workshop that it hosted on Monday June 20, 2016 at the Customs Conference Room. A team of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and CTU consultants is in St. Kitts and Nevis from June 20-24, 2016, to meet with key stakeholders in Government. The purpose of their visit is to obtain an understanding of the requirements for the Government’s network based on the current and future ICT initiatives of the various Ministries and Departments and to discuss plans for implementation of ICT solutions. The workshop involved a project briefing session on the strengthening of Government Wide Area Networks (GWANs). The presentations outlined the objectives, activities and expected results of the project and how it will impact on Government communications and the delivery of e-Government services. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has been accepted for participation in a regional International Telecommunications Union (ITU) funded project that will provide technical assistance in developing GWANs in three Caribbean countries. The CTU will have overall responsibility for the coordination, management and implementation of the project in collaboration with the Departments of Technology in St. Kitts and Nevis.
[if !supportLists]3. [endif]Cabinet considered the approval and appointments of Honorary Consuls in Italy and Vietnam. With respect to Italy, there are proposals for the Ministry of Health to engage in areas of Health especially in Paediatric Medicine.
[if !supportLists]4. [endif]Cabinet approved for discussions to proceed with a proposal for an air services agreement between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Federation.