Adaptation Strategy in Response to The New EU Sugar Regime 2006 – 2013 of St. Kitts and Nevis

1.1.1 Modernizing property tax administration with a market based system.

1.1.2 Broaden taxes base.

1.1.3 Institutional strengthening of revenue collection agencies to improve tax collection.

1.2.1 Improving expenditure management.

1.2.2  Improving systems to facilitate a greater control over Government operations.

2.1.1 Restrict new borrowing and reduce the creation of new debt.

2.2.1 Debt restructuring by extending the maturity structure and substituting lower cost debt for   higher cost debt.

2.2.2 Debt reduction programmes including land sales.

2.2.3 Consultancy for debt sustainability analysis.

2.4.1 Recruitment of qualified staff.

2.4.2 Increase capabilities of existing staff through training.  

3.1.1 Draft legislation to require public enterprises to submit financial statements to the Ministry of Finance.

4.2.1 Heritage tourism based on relics of the sugar industry.

4.2.2  Upgrading of heritage sites.

4.2.3 Adequate and appropriate signage.

4.2.4 Upgrading existing tourism infrastructure such as access roads and landscaping to ensure the provision of a quality product across the full range of accommodation options.

4.2.5  Improve the entertainment content of the tourism product.

4.2.6 Promote the principles of sustainable tourism in development project planning.

4.3.1 Improve access to credit for potential small entrepreneurs at the community level.

4.3.2 Provide incentives for small business enterprises operating in the tourism sector.

4.3.3 Establishing a tourism small enterprise empowerment fund.

4.4.1 Establish a marketing fund to support airlift and other efforts to promote development of special interest travel markets.

4.4.2 Improve Management Information Systems.

4.4.4 Improve tourism statistical data base Introduce Tourism Satellite Accounting.

4.4.5 Upgrading the Tourism Authority Website which includes the marketing of the small hotel sub-sector.

4.5.1 Introduce standards for the SKN tourism industry.

4.5.2 Improve the legislative framework to support tourism development.

4.5.3  Heritage and Community Tourism Training Programme.

4.6.1 Promoting the further development of specialist tourism products such as diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing, spas and wellness centres, sports tourism, conference tourism.

4.6.2 Integrating tourism issues into other parts of public sector management – such as public works, land use planning, transportation policy and cultural preservation.

4.6.3  Fostering greater collaboration between the tourism authorities and the stakeholders in the productive sectors, particularly the DOA and craft producers.

4.6.4 Ensuring that the agriculture sector meets the needs of the hospitality industry particularly in the supply of locally-produced fruits and vegetables.

4.7.1 Develop and implement a national tourism human resource development plan.

4.7.2 Developing and implement tourism training and awareness programmes.

4.7.3 Expanding training for front-line and other service providers to ensure that they have the tools to enhance the visitor experience and provide a globally competitive service product.

4.7.4 Establishment of a scholarship programme for nationals to pursue tertiary level training in tourism and hospitality management and related fields Design and implement special retraining programmes for ex-sugar workers.

4.7.5 Increase investment in education and training Formalise arrangements for pairing academic training with internships.

4.7.6 Formalise the links between educational institutions and private sector entities to better target industry needs.

5.1.1 Increasing the productivity of the Plant Propagation Unit.

5.1.2 Facilitating the expansion of commercial and semi- commercial fruit tree orchards.

5.1.3 Construction of agricultural feeder roads.

5.1.4 Increasing pineapple production to meet the domestic demand.

5.1.5  Developing control measures for the West Indian Fruit Fly and other major pests.

5.1.6 Facilitating commercial production of crops.

5.1.7  Improve agronomic practices and post-harvest technology through greater extension support Encouraging and supporting the development of farmer groups. 

5.2.1  Encouraging the development of floriculture Introducing incentives to encourage youth, disabled, elderly and women in entrepreneurship involvement.

5.2.2 Developing and implementing conservation-oriented farming technologies specifically adapted to local conditions.

5.2.3 Promoting land-use and land capability research to assist in decision making with respect to the implementation of agricultural development projects. 

5.3.1 Ensuring that the utilization of agro-chemicals does not impair environmental quality.

5.3.2 Training farmers in improved agronomic practices Adopting new and appropriate technologies such as the utilization of plastic mulch and the development of green houses.

5.3.3 Identifying lands for commercial peanut production in selected locations around the island.

5.4.1 Work closely with the private sector to facilitate the development of agro-processing enterprises.

5.4.2 Conduct study to determine the appropriate packing house and agro-processing equipment.

5.4.3 Construction of packing facilities for three farmer groups.

5.4.4 Upgrading and equipping centralized agro-processing facility.

5.4.5 Conducting training for staff Providing technical assistance.

5.5.1 Establish formal mechanism for regular dialogue, consultation and collaboration with tourism authorities and stakeholders.

5.6.1 Evaluate water harvesting studies.

5.6.2 Establishment of wells.

5.6.3 Construction of reservoir .

5.6.4 Installation of main water line Provide on-farm irrigation system.

5.6.5 Conduct training for extension officers and farmers.

5.7.1 Conduct market surveys.

5.7.2  Establishment of greenhouses.

5.7.3 Identification of suitable land

5.8.1 Identification and purchasing of improved breeding stock.

5.8.2 Pasture establishment and management.

5.8.3 Development of fodder bank.

5.8.4 Construction of fences, housing sheds and dog proof area.

5.8.5 Development of water harvesting facilities.

5.8.6 Purchase of mechanical forage harvesting equipment.

5.8.7 Upgrading and expansion of abattoir.

5.8.8 Training for extension officers, farmers and abattoir staff.

5.8.9 Construction of shade houses.

5.8.10  Development of markets. 

5.9.1 Determination of size of marine resources within territorial waters.

5.9.2 Estimation of domestic market requirements and export opportunities.

5.9.3 Training for fishers in navigation, diving, First Aid & food/primary processing of fish.

5.9.4 Training in food safety for fish processors Evaluating the potential for aquaculture.

5.9.5 Establishment of an aquaculture demonstration and training unit.

5.9.6 Preserving coral reefs and coastal water quality for the needs of the fishing industry.

5.9.7  Improving fishing infrastructure by constructing new terminals and providing ancillary support facilities at Sandy Point, Old Road and Dieppe Bay.

5.10.1 Establishment of a Agriculture Diversification Unit.

5.10.2 Design and implement programmes for the development of extension services. 

6.1.1 Establish a National ICT Development Foundation or Agency that will be charged with advancing the development of ICT in the Federation and which will provide policy analysis and advice to Government on matters relating to ICT, and also provide ICT expertise to the wider community.

6.1.2 Ensure that the Department of Technology is adequately staffed to enable them to provide leadership in the development of ICT in the public sector and the Federation as a whole.

6.1.3 Review, update and finalize the ICT Policy and Strategy. This process envisages widespread consultation with all stakeholders in society to ensure consensus, buy-in and ownership by all.

6.1.4 Develop ICT action plans for all Government Ministries.

6.1.5 Collaborate with the business sector to develop ICT plans for the business sector.

6.2.1 Promote competition in international connectivity by facilitating additional connections to the international telecommunications network.

6.2.2 Implement projects that will promote the use of ICT in all communities. In particular, Government will develop Community Access Points in community centres, libraries and post offices throughout the Federation.

6.2.3 Investigate the feasibility of making school computer labs available for use by the community outside of school hours.

6.2.4 Ensure that the provisions for universal service in the Telecommunications Act are adhered to.

6.2.5 Utilize the Universal Service Fund to implement projects to provide access for the underprivileged, ensure access in remote locations and to fund the development of digital skills in the poorer communities.

6.2.6 Collaborate with service providers to ensure the timely introduction of new technologies.

6.2.7 Continue to implement policies to ensure that access to computers remains affordable, including providing duty and tax concessions on importation of computer hardware and peripherals.

6.2.8 Promote the use of digital information services by expanding the provision of digital public services via an online Government portal.

6.2.9  Foster the development of digital cultural and historical archives to facilitate access to knowledge.

6.3.1 Review and if necessary, update the draft e-commerce legislation that was prepared a few years ago and ensure its enactment into law.

6.3.2 Develop and enact related pieces of legislation to govern such areas as electronic crimes, security of data, authentication of communication, protection of internet related intellectual property and privacy.

6.3.3 Strengthen the institutional and regulatory capacity of Government to administer and enforce the legislation relating to ICT.

6.3.4 Continue to implement policies that will promote competition in the ICT sector while at the same ensuring that care is taken not to over-regulate the sector.

6.3.5 Utilize the Government’s policy framework to foster the continued investment in and development t and upgrading of the ICT infrastructure.

6.3.6 Collaborate with the private sector to develop and adopt appropriate ICT standards. 

6.3.7 Establish an ICT Park to attract ICT related foreign direct investment.

6.3.8 Use the investment regime, ICT regulatory environment and enhanced ICT skills base as key selling points to promote the Federation as a jurisdiction for ICT investment.

6.4.1 Undertake a feasibility study to determine the best use of ICT for improving Education, Diversification and Competitiveness.

6.4.2 Promote the development of ICT clusters in areas identified by the above study, as well as in areas where there is already a reasonably good ICT presence such as Internet gaming, web development and applications and graphic design.

6.4.3 Provide incentives and rewards for technology innovations by firms.

6.5.1 Carry out an assessment to determine the Government services that can be delivered online, and establish a reasonable time frame to commence delivery of these services online.

6.5.2 Develop the infrastructure to facilitate the move towards e-Government.

6.5.3 Continue the process of computerizing Government Ministries and Departments.

6.5.4 Upgrade and standardize all local area networks in Government offices.

6.5.5 Connect all Government agencies to a centrally managed wide area Government network.

6.5.6 Establish a Government portal to facilitate the delivery of e-Government services to the public.  Promote the utilization of ICT for improving communications between Government Departments.

6.5.7 Improve processes within Government by computerizing tasks where possible.

6.6.1 Carry out an ICT skills audit in order to gain insight about the status of ICT skills in the Federation.

6.6.2 Develop a National ICT Training Plan and training programmes to facilitate the development of an adequate ICT skills base in the Federation.

6.6.3 Revise the curriculum in schools and post secondary education institutions to ensure that ICT is integrated in all subject areas as well as in delivery.

6.6.4 Formulate community-based and continuing education training programmes to target those persons who exited the education system before ICT training was introduced, and who may not have been exposed to ICT in the workplace.

6.6.5 Provide undergraduate and graduate scholarships in ICT.

6.6.6 Promote certification in ICT by funding training and certification programmes in ICDL (Basic and Advanced), A+ and Network +.

6.6.7 Develop a programme within the Development Bank to make funds available for persons to pursue local training programmes that lead to certification.

6.6.8 Provide distance learning facilities to facilitate access to training (including ICT training) especially in the rural areas.

6.6.9 Establish a business incubator for ICT related businesses in order to foster the development of ICT related entrepreneurial ventures.

7.1.1 Collaborate with regional and international agencies in the development and implementation of international standards for the sector.

7.1.2 Implement the recommendations contained in the reports of the IMF Financial Sector Assessment Programme and the mutual evaluation of the Federation’s Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Framework to ensure international compliance.

7.1.3 Continue to provide training in anti-money laundering Develop new legislation and regulations to maintain compliance with evolving international standards and requirements.

7.1.4 Increase the conduct of on-site anti-money laundering examinations with a view to covering the entire sector 31.5 Restructure the Financial Services Commission to facilitate the centralized regulation of all financial services in the Federation and to enhance the stability of the financial system.

7.2.1 Increase collaboration of authorities in the sector with other Government agencies and service providers to enhance existing products and develop new products to respond to changes in the global financial services market.

7.2.2 Continually review existing legislation to ensure that they take account of new developments in the market.

7.3.1 Attracting internationally renowned service providers with the capacity to provide the full range of international financial services to either establish a physical  presence  on  island or  to  create  strategic alliances with local service providers or domestic agents. (This would allow for some knowledge transfer that will build domestic capacity, while at the same time augmenting the overall capacity of the jurisdiction. This strategy of attracting international service providers, in addition to boosting the Federation’s ability to offer enhanced services, can also contribute to broadening the marketing reach of the Federation through the individual marketing and advertising efforts of these providers).

7.3.2 Continue to collaborate  with  experienced  service providers, industry organizations and regional institutions such as the ECCB and CARTAC to conduct training in current and new service areas as well as in anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing.

7.3.3 Ensure that Government employees working  in  the sector receive the requisite training that will enable them to discharge of their duties in an efficient and effective manner.

7.3.4 Promote    the    offering    of    continuing    education programs in financial services through the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and University of the West Indies (UWI) Centre.

7.3.5 Encourage the use of innovation through the adoption of advanced technology throughout the sector. (Government can directly influence this by leading the way through the use of online registration and facilitating the electronic filing of documents, subject to adherence to regulatory standards).

7.4.1 Engage in joint promotion of the financial services sector with the international ship registry as well as the tourism promotions that target the luxury tourism market. (One of the promotions to be undertaken will offer incentives in the form of registration discounts to clients registering international ships that are owned by St. Kitts based corporate entities).

7.4.2 Increase  attendance   and   participation   at   industry seminars and conferences in order to engage in more direct marketing and promotion of the industry in St. Kitts and Nevis.

7.4.3 Capitalize on opportunities to sponsor industry events that will allow the Federation to showcase the financial services and other offerings of the Federation.

7.4.4 Organize road shows, seminars and exhibitions in specific target markets to introduce the financial products and services available in the Federation to potential clients and service providers.

7.4.5 Develop an effective online marketing and promotions strategy that makes use of traditional online approaches as well as advanced rich media techniques.

8.1.1 Strengthening the monitoring and evaluation of labour market trends.
8.1.2 Improve the collection, analysis and dissemination of labour market information.
8.1.3 Promotion of SME.
8.1.4 Establishing micro finance programme to provide seed money to prospective small entrepreneurs.

8.2.1 Improve targeting of beneficiaries.
8.2.2 Development of a database of poor households and introduce a MIS.
8.2.3 Development of an integrated package of support tailored to the needs of poorest households.
8.2.4 Training in community development, leadership and empowerment at the community level, project/programme cycle management, change management.
8.2.5 Design and implement training programmes for young unemployed persons.
8.2.6 Development of community councils.
8.2.7 Renovation and construction of community centres.
8.2.8 Purchase of equipment and furniture for community centres.
8.2.9 Implementation of the second CPA.
8.2.10 Preparation of a Poverty Reduction Strategy and Action Plan.
8.2.11 Design and implement special training programmes for ex-sugar workers.
 

9.1.1 Design and implement programmes aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality associated with Chronic Non- communicable diseases.
9.1.2 Improving the nutrition and physical activity.
9.1.3 Supporting programmes to improve nutrition and general health status of the elderly.
9.1.4 Upgrading and expansion of health centres.

9.2.1 Strengthening surveillance to reduce the spread of human and animal borne diseases.
9.2.2 Development and enforcement of standards to ensure food safety.
9.2.3 Development of a MIS for environmental health Improve the management of solid and liquid waste and vector control.
9.2.4 Commission a review of the water quality monitoring and implement recommendations for changes.
 

9.3.1 Implementation of family health programmes Sustaining the national response to HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections.
9.3.2 Reinforcing advocacy for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and STIs.
9.3.3 Providing treatment, care and support for PLWAs Improving surveillance. epidemiology and research, program coordination and management and monitoring and evaluation.

9.4.1 Providing counselling, treatment and care for clients in a safe and secure environment.

9.5.1 Strengthening of health institutions.
9.5.2 Developing health information and research capabilities.
9.5.3 Strengthening of laboratories.
9.5.4 Upgrading of Community Health Services Department Fostering human resource development through training and staff.

10.1.1 Constructing and equipping of day care facilities in rural areas.
10.1.2 Upgrading of day care centres Training of early childhood teachers.
10.1.3 Upgrading and expansion of Early Childhood Resource Centre.

10.2.1 Accelerating the pace of curriculum development and reform to address the emerging needs of the labour market and to ensure relevance in light of the strategy for economic transformation.
10.2.2 Enhancing the quality of teaching and learning particularly in the delivery of science and technology curriculum, as well as in the teaching of reading and mathematics to improve literacy skills.

10.3.1 Enhancing the learning environment of schools through the provision of cafeterias, physical education/sport facilities.
10.3.2 Improving governance and management in the education sector.
10.3.3 Implementing ICT institutional development and training programmes at the tertiary and continuing education levels.
10.3.4 Enhancing and expanding adult literacy programmes to promote entrepreneurship among adult learners.
10.3.5 Improving technical and vocational education.
10.3.6 Establishing scholarship programmes to support special groups such as children of ex-sugar workers, and tech-voc education students.
10.3.7 Enhancing the operations of the CFBC by upgrading it to a semi-autonomous institution, instituting accreditation and quality assurance mechanisms and expanding programme/course offerings.
10.3.8 Improving efficiency, effectiveness and quality of management and administration of the education system.
10.3.9 Constructing new facilities (Education Building) to house the MOE.

11.1.1 Providing lands in approved housing development areas at affordable prices by the NHC.
11.1.2 Implementation of an affordable housing programme.
11.1.3 Providing land to developers and families to build affordable homes for middle income families.
11.1.4 Implementing a national home care programme geared at caring for the elderly and people with disabilities in their homes, within their communities.
11.1.5 Collaborating with existing land owners to convert derelict properties into new or refurbished properties.
11.1.6 Reviewing the Civil Service Mortgage Scheme administered by the DBSKN to make it easier to access more affordable loans.
11.1.7 Ensuring that proper standards are met in the home building/construction industry.
 

12.1.1 Establishing an Anti-gun Unit within the police force.
12.1.2 Comprehensive review of the legislation with regards to penalties.
12.1.3 Increasing power for the magistracy.
12.1.4 Implementing a vibrant public education programme on safety and security.
12.1.5 Formalising existing relationships and building new partnerships with the private sector, NGOs and CBOs.
12.1.6 Strengthening the National Drug Council.
12.1.7 Exploring options for introducing more elaborate services such a detoxification.
12.1.8 Integrating the use of appropriate technology.
12.1.9 Strengthening the canine (K-9) Unit.
12.1.10 Expanding the CID Unit to improve coverage of underserved communities.
12.1.11 Establishing the Neighbourhood Watch Programme.

12.2.1 Upgrading the curriculum used by the police training school for training of new officers.
12.2.2Reviewing the recruitment and staffing policies.
12.2.3 Designing and implementing a formal system for continued skills development of police officers.
12.2.4 Training for senior and middle managers.

12.3.1 Upgrading of police stations, police training school and coast guard facilities.
12.3.2 Construction of new police stations.
12.3.3 Installation of a state of the art close circuit television system with electronic surveillance.
12.3.4 Procurement of equipment.
12.3.5 Procurement of coast guard patrol vessels.

12.4.1 Upgrading of legislation Introduction of new legislation.
12.4.2 Construction of a new correctional facility Introduction of new security systems and services.

13.1.1 Establishment of a Land Management Unit Implementation of a Land Resource Management Project.
13.1.2 Construction of storm drains/drainage structures Terracing and tree planting.      13.1.3 Ghaut channelization and stabilization.                                                                    13.1.4 Designing and implementing slope stabilisation measures.

14.1.1 Development of Irrigation Infrastructure.

14.2.1 Develop an integrated coastal zone management plan Construction of sea defence structures (rock armouring) at vulnerable sites.                                                                  14.2.2 Implementation of the North Frigate Bay Protection Project.

15.1.1 Implementation of a comprehensive reforestation programme.
15.1.2 Allocation of suitable lands for tree and vegetable cropping and controlled livestock rearing.
15.1.3 Establishment of an integrated system of hiking trails, interpretive stations, camping sites, scenic viewpoints, picnic areas and shelters.
15.1.4 Establishment of interpretation centers, museums and upgrading of other services in Old Road Village.
15.1.5  Completion of paved vehicular access from Wingfield Level through to Phillips Level.

16.1.1 Declare Black Rocks coastal formation, the crater site at Mount Liamuiga, the Dos D’ans crater lake and the Basseterre Valley Aquifer as Protected Areas.
16.1.2 The establishment of a plant nursery.

17.1.1 Enact a new “National Historic Preservation Act and designate downtown Basseterre as a historic zone.                           

17.1.2 Widen and modify side walks to provide easy access to wheelchair users and other persons with physical disabilities.

17.1.3 Prepare waterfront renewal and revitalization plan for Irish Town waterfront.

18.1.1 Developing and strengthening a good work ethic.

18.1.2 Instituting comprehensive auditing procedures.

18.1.3 Establishing and promoting a reward and incentive system based on performance.

18.1.4 Developing and enforcing a disciplinary code.

18.1.5 Developing of a management system for the civil service with clearly defined roles, responsibilities and levels of authority.

18.1.6 Developing and adopting a human resource policy Establishing performance standards.

18.2.1 Updating of relevant legislation.
18.2.2 Establishment of an Internal Audit Unit at the Ministry of Finance.
18.2.3 Commercialising and Privatising Selective Government Assets.

19.1.1 Standardization of the data collection system.
19.1.2 Revising the statistical framework.
19.1.3 Accelerating the ongoing work in the production of supply and use tables, with technical assistance from regional or other external agencies to enhance the capacity for producing these tables.
19.1.4 Expanding coverage of existing services statistics programmes.
19.1.5 Introduce Tourism Satellite Accounting.
19.1.6 Design and implement an outreach and public awareness programme to educate the public on the importance of responding to surveys.
19.1.7 Promote inter-agency cooperation nationally, regionally and internationally.
19.1.8 Establish a National Statistical Advisory Council for Statistics, to serve in an advisory capacity to the Statistics Department.
 

19.2.1 Training for statistical staff.
19.2.2Institute system to facilitate attachment of relevant staff to regional or other offices which have developed a high skill capacity, or specialization in specific technical areas that would be beneficial to the Department.
19.2.3 Improving the analytic capabilities of the Statistics Department.

19.3.1 Develop a centralized statistical database.

19.3.2 Updating computer equipment and software.                                                                                                                                                                        

20.1.1 Promote water conservation.

20.1.2 Utilising technology to manage water resources Implementation of a water improvement project.

20.1.3 Implementation of a well drilling programme.

20.1.4 Construction of reservoirs.

20.1.5 Commission comprehensive water study Installation of a sewage facility for Basseterre. 

21.1.1 Corporatisation of the Electricity Department.

21.1.2 Updating of electricity legislation.

21.1.3 Implementing Electricity Improvement Project.

21.1.4 Upgrading of LV Lines.

21.1.5 Installation of extractor fans.

21.1.6 Upgrading Feeder at Bayfords.

21.1.7 Designing and implementing national energy conservation programme.

21.1.8 Establishing feasibility for alternative energy sources.

22.1.1 Upgrading and expansion of R.L.B. International Airport Project.

22.1.2 Implementation of West Basseterre By-pass Road Project.

22.1.3 Designing and constructing Sandy Point By-pass Road.

22.1.4 Traffic Management Study.

22.1.5 Road Improvement Project.

23.1.1 Establishing a Coordination and Programming Unit within the Ministry of Sustainable Development.

23.1.2 Establish an Inter-ministerial Technical Committee on National Transformation.

23.1.3 Expanding the role of the Cabinet Committee on Finance to include adaptation and transformation issues and rename it the Cabinet Committee on Finance and the Economy.

23.1.4 Establishing units within the Ministries of Tourism, Agriculture and Fisheries and Social Development that will assume the lead role for planning and coordinating the sector specific development programmes within these Ministries.

23.1.4 Ensure that arrangements for consultation with all stakeholders are incorporated into the operations of the institutions involved in the adaptation and transformation process.

23.2.1 Ensure that key Ministries involved in the adaptation and transformation process are represented on the Inter-ministerial Technical Committee on National Transformation.

23.2.2 Wind up the operations of the Transition Management Office.

23.2.3 Integrate the agricultural diversification activities of the TMO into the new unit to be established within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

23.2.4 Enhance the donor coordination mechanisms within the Ministry of Sustainable Development.

23.2.5 Improve the effectiveness of cross-sectoral and inter- ministerial coordination mechanisms.

23.3.1 Employ professionals to fill new and vacant positions in key Ministries involved in implementing the adaptation and transformation strategy.

23.3.2 Build skills capacity in the areas of policy formulation and evaluation, macroeconomic and fiscal management, project management cycle, monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning and statistical development.

23.3.3 Develop a monitoring and evaluation system for monitoring development strategies and programmes.