PRIME MINISTER DREW ENDORSES REINSTATEMENT OF ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING PROGRAMME AT CFBC

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, April 08, 2026 (SKNIS): The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the nation’s healthcare system with the reinstatement of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programme at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC).

Prime Minister and Minister of Health, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, in a statement released today, April 08, 2026, expressed strong support for the initiative, describing it as a strategic response to the ongoing shortage of locally trained nurses.

“It is with great pride and a deep sense of national purpose that I lend my full support to the reinstatement of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programme at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College,” said Prime Minister Drew. “This initiative represents a timely and strategic response to one of our most pressing public health challenges, the persistent shortage of locally trained nurses in the Federation.”

The prime minister emphasised the importance of building a sustainable, homegrown healthcare workforce, noting that while the nation values the contributions of foreign healthcare professionals, long-term resilience depends on local capacity.

“Healthcare is a fundamental right, and a robust nursing workforce is central to delivering on that promise,” he stated. “It is imperative that we invest in building a homegrown workforce — nurses who understand our communities, our culture, and our unique health landscape.”

Dr. Drew underscored that the ADN Programme is a forward-thinking solution that complements existing educational pathways. “The ADN Programme is not a step backward; it is a pragmatic and forward-thinking solution,” he said. “It offers a competency-based, patient-centred pathway that has historically produced skilled, confident, and compassionate nurses across our region.”

The government anticipates that reinstating the Associate Degree in Nursing Programme will increase the annual output of qualified nurses, reduce reliance on overseas recruitment, and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

“My government is firmly committed to strengthening our healthcare infrastructure, and this proposal aligns with our National Health Policy and our vision for universal access to quality care,” Dr. Drew noted.

Prime Minister Drew also acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the initiative possible, commending the Ministry of Health, nursing leadership, the St. Christopher and Nevis Nurses and Midwives Council, and other stakeholders.