BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis recently convened a high-level Diaspora Engagement Meeting in New York, focusing on the nation’s development priorities and reinforcing the strategic role of the diaspora in the Federation’s sustainable development.
Led by the Honourable Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Communications, Technology and Post, and the Honourable Senator Dr Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, the engagement facilitated a direct and substantive dialogue with Kittitian and Nevisian nationals residing in the United States.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, 14 July, at the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in the Bronx, provided an update on implementation priorities and measurable progress across key sectors, including public infrastructure, water access, the energy transition, and digital transformation. Both Ministers outlined ongoing efforts to expand access to potable water, accelerate the transition to renewable energy through solar and geothermal development, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. They also shared updates on the forthcoming rollout of the national Electronic Identification (E-ID) system, designed to enhance technological efficiency and improve service delivery.
Discussions on land management and allocation were also held, led by Ms Sherilita Dore-Tyson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development. The session provided an opportunity for diaspora members to contribute to policy discussions on land-related matters.
Diaspora members participated actively, raising thoughtful and analytical questions regarding policy implementation, monitoring frameworks, and national performance indicators. The exchange reflected a strong interest in accountability, measurable outcomes, and a shared commitment to the Federation’s continued development.
The engagement took place on the margins of the Federation’s presentation of its Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, where the nation’s progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the achievements of its Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) were highlighted.
The delegation was supported by H.E. Dr Mutryce Williams, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, and her team, along with Mr Kressell Daniel, Deputy Consul General, and staff of the Consulate General in New York. The engagement also underscored the coordinated diplomatic presence of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the United States under the leadership of H.E. Jacinth Henry-Martin, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the United States.
