As 2017 draws to a close, St. Kitts & Nevis is marking 50 years since the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) along with neighbouring countries Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Formed in 1967 in accordance with the West Indies Act, the ECSC interprets and applies the laws of its member states, decides cases of both civil and criminal matters, and hears appeals. In the 50 years it has been around, a third of the acting or confirmed chief justices have come from St. Kitts and Nevis—a significant number given the country’s relative size.
But that wasn’t the only positive announcement in the news this week. Moving from the court room to the delivery room—it was announced this week that St. Kitts and Nevis were certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.
Prime Minister Timothy Harris was quoted saying this was “the result of our strong political commitment to public health and making the health of mothers, children, and families a regional priority.” Neighbouring countries Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Montserrat, were also certified.
Over the past six years, the Caribbean has successfully reduced new HIV infections in children by more than half, while reporters cases of congenital syphilis remain below 50 cases per 100,000 live births.
The good news just keeps coming for St. Kitts and Nevis. The small, two-island Caribbean nation has had an incredible year, and is showing no signs of slowing down. If you’re looking to be part of the growing momentum, St. Kitts and Nevis is currently offering a discount for its popular citizenship by investment program. Contact us today for more information or to get started with a free consultation.