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Georgetown, Guyana, April 9, 2026: Saint Kitts and Nevis has strengthened its regional partnerships with Guyana through the signing of three key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), marking a strategic push to deepen bilateral cooperation across priority sectors.
The agreements—covering non-lethal defense and security cooperation, agriculture and food security, and government modernization—were signed on April 8 during Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew’s official visit to Guyana. The visit also saw Saint Kitts and Nevis formally join the Global Biodiversity Alliance, an international initiative launched by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
Together, these developments represent a meaningful expansion of collaboration between the two Caribbean nations, building on a longstanding relationship grounded in shared history, regional solidarity, and strong people-to-people ties. The MOUs provide structured frameworks for cooperation in areas central to both national agendas and the broader objectives of the Caribbean Community.
Prime Minister Drew indicated that the agreements reflect a deliberate effort to translate policy vision into tangible benefits for citizens. He emphasized that the selected areas of cooperation were carefully chosen to yield measurable outcomes in both the short and long term. “I’ve selected what I think would have solid impacting St. Kitts and Nevis,” Prime Minister Drew said, while underscoring the importance of focused and strategic implementation.
Addressing agriculture and food security, the Prime Minister highlighted the urgency of boosting domestic production and reducing reliance on external markets, particularly in the context of rising global food prices and supply chain disruptions. He pointed to significant opportunities for Saint Kitts and Nevis to leverage Guyana’s expanding agricultural capacity, while also strengthening local output through knowledge transfer and technical collaboration.
“As you can see, the cost of food across the world… there’s a lot to learn, but there’s also opportunities, because we want to buy food as well. You have it here in Guyana. Why buy it from outside the region?” the Prime Minister stated. He added that the Federation’s tourism sector offers a consistent market for regional agricultural products, while increased local production will enhance national resilience and affordability.
On government modernization, Prime Minister Drew welcomed Guyana’s support in advancing the Federation’s digital transformation efforts. He noted that improved access to real-time data and modern digital systems will strengthen governance, enhance project oversight, and support more informed decision-making. The collaboration is expected to bolster accountability and efficiency across ministries and departments.
Beyond the MOUs, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ accession to the Global Biodiversity Alliance signals a broader alignment with international efforts to protect ecosystems, conserve natural resources, and advance scientific innovation. The initiative complements the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda and reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship.
“This community champions for diversity… biodiversity fits exactly to what our national agenda is. We want to create a sustainable Island. Biodiversity is a fundamental, so for us this is natural.” He further committed to championing the initiative at the regional level, adding that as Chairman of CARICOM, he would work to encourage wider Caribbean participation in the alliance.
President Ali welcomed the strengthened partnership, reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to advancing regional development through shared resources, innovation, and practical cooperation. He also commended Prime Minister Drew’s leadership within CARICOM, noting that the agreements lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration that will directly benefit Caribbean citizens.
The visit underscores Saint Kitts and Nevis’ proactive approach to regional diplomacy, as the Federation continues to pursue strategic alliances that enhance resilience, drive sustainable development, and create lasting opportunities for its people.
Source: PMO
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