Nevis, West Indies. ?A Non-Tourist-Trap? Blog About Nevis.

Immigrants To Be Treated Better in Nevis

Charlestown, Nevis
February 18, 2010

Contrary to claims by Opposition political activists and some media houses in the Federation who have accused the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP)-led Nevis Island Administration (NIA) of victimizing the immigrant population in Nevis, the evidence clearly shows otherwise that under the leadership of Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry, the NIA continues to treat the immigrant population fairly.

Since the Administration was elected into office over three years ago, a number of steps had been taken to assist that sector of the Nevis community.

In order to alleviate the financial hardships of the immigrant population because of the world economic crisis, the NRP-led Administration reduced the cost of the work permits significantly. The cost for workers permit or all workers in the unskilled category was reduced from EC$1600 to EC$1000.

The NIA under the NRP also took steps to reduce hospital costs of health care to non-nationals as the same for locals.

“There is no longer a non-national rate and a local rate all residents of Nevis pay one price,” said Premier Parry.

In addition, the government has given unlimited access to free schooling for all non-nationals.

During an interview with the Department of Information the Premier stated that in 2009, a total of 149 work permits were issued. The Premier then asked a question of the opposition stating: “Is the Concerned Citizens Movement recommending that hundreds more work permits be issued in 2010?

“The information of the number of work permits and the new cost of work permits has been made public on numerous occasions in the media, by the Ministers of Government, in town hall meetings and on the political platform,” said the Premier.

According to Mr. Parry, work permits have continued to be issued and re-issued under his Administration “and we have worked alongside the immigrants on Nevis in order to live together in harmony.”

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4. Nevis Supports Closer Relations With Federal Government
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Attorney General - Patrice Nisbett

Charlestown, Nevis
February 15, 2010

Attorney General of St. Kitts and Nevis Hon. Patrice Nisbett described his new and historic appointment as an honourable moment and a defining moment in Nevis’ history, which he hoped would strengthen the bonds and further unite the governments and people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Mr. Nisbett who became the new Minister of Legal Affairs and Justice in the Federal Government on February 07, received his instruments of appointment from Governor General Sir Cuthbert Sebastian before an adoring crowd who witnessed the swearing ceremony of the Hon. Denzil Douglas led Administration for a fourth term of office.

“It was a very touching moment most importantly to see how the crowd response was. I felt that the people of St. Kitts in particular by the response that they gave, they gave their stamp of approval of a Nevisian coming to St. Kitts and holding a very responsible position in the Federal Cabinet.

“That warms my heart and it sends the right signal to me that the people of St. Kitts really want the people of Nevis to participate in the process and for us to have a stronger bond in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. I would hope that my presence in the Federal Cabinet will unite the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Governments of St. Kitts and Nevis so that we can move the country forward,” he said in a recent interview with the Department of Information.

Before his appointment to the Federal Government, Mr. Nisbett had served on the Opposition benches in the Federal Parliament for several years and also as the Legal Advisor to the Nevis Island Administration for just over three years. He said there were many benefits to be had for the people of Nevis along with his appointment since he was now in a position to influence policy to the benefit of Nevis.

“There are a number of issues that we want to put forward on behalf of the people of Nevis for example the issue of the devolution of power was one thing that we started in the last Labour Administration in order to achieve on behalf of the people of Nevis.

“In my position now as the Attorney General I believe I will be able to accelerate the process and be able to accomplish the devolution of authority in relation to the Nevis Island Administration,” he said.

Mr. Nisbett said the Attorney General was the point man on constitutional reform and as such he would be in charge of leading that process.

He explained that there were a number of issues that needed to be ironed out with regard to the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and because he was Nevisian was the better person in the position to reform the relationship to the mutual; benefit of all parties concerned.

With regard to his former position of Legal Advisor he said though he would no longer be able to serve in that capacity, he had indicated his availability to be called on by the NIA to conduct matters on its behalf.

“There is some arrangement in place between the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration in relation to using me for matters in relation to the NIA,” he said.

Mr. Nisbett also noted that although the offices of the Attorney General were currently situated in Basseterre, certain matters had been discussed in relation to the Attorney General’s operations extended to Charlestown. “That is on the cards,” he smiled.

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2. Nevis Premier Hails Appointment of Nevisian
3. Convicted Attorney General Holds Dual Citizenship
4. Laws To Create Solid Foundation, Says Attorney General
5. Attorney General Receives Honorary Doctorate

Nevis Businessman - Mr. Arthur Evelyn

Charlestown, Nevis
February 10, 2010

The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) continued its promise of recognition to stalwarts for their significant contributions to the development of Nevis, when the Old Treasury building which houses the Nevis Tourism Authority offices, was renamed after Nevisian businessman, pharmacist and former politician, Mr. Arthur Evelyn.

The moving ceremony took place on Friday afternoon, in the presence of Government officials, his family and well wishers in Charlestown.

Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Joseph Parry announced the new name while he also declared the 2010 Nevis Tourism Week opened.

Mr. Parry referred to the renaming of the Nevis Tourism Authority (Old Treasury Building) as a “befitting tribute” to a man who had worked hard for the benefit of Nevisians. He added that the establishment of the Four Seasons Resort was assisted by Mr. Arthur Evelyn who was involved the negotiation process.

His profile which was read by Ms. Janette Grell-Hull, a former employee of Mr. Evelyn, stated that he had served the people of Nevis as a Minister of Agriculture, Lands and Tourism, a member of the Nevis Blind and Visually Impaired Association, the Mental Health Association, President of the Jaycees and the Nevis Horse Racing Club.

In response, Mr. Evelyn thanked the NIA and Premier Parry for bestowing such an honour on him.  He gave God thanks for the award and the pleasure that the Old Treasury building that now carried his name would bring to all.

Mr. Evelyn was the third of eight local heroes whose names will grace seven landmarks on Nevis. The names were announced by Minister of Social Development Hon. Hensley Daniel at a ceremony held in their honour on National Heroes Day in September 2009.

The well attended event was chaired by Mr. Walter Morton. Also on hand were the winners of Culturama 2009 King I Sour Sop, Miss Culturama Queen, Miss Macinda Nisbett and the winners of the Miss and Mr. Talented Youth Pageant.

Related posts:

1. Nevis, West Indies Honours Eight Local Heroes
2. Nevis Netball Complex To Receive New Name
3. Nevis Finance Ministry Receives New Building
4. Premier Parry To Honor Outstanding Nevisians
5. Nevis Government Increases Police Presence