WASHINGTON, CMC – St. Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its strong commitment to investing in its young population while preparing them for an increasingly digital world.
“In St. Kitts and Nevis, we understand that the future our children will inherit will be shaped by technology,” Mrs. Diani Prince-Drew, the wife of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, told the “Fostering the Future Together Coalition Global Summit” at the Department of State here.
“For this reason, our government has made deliberate investments to ensure that our young people are not just consumers of technology, but creators, innovators, and responsible digital citizens,” she added.
In her address to First Spouses and global leaders, Mrs. Prince-Drew, an attorney, spoke passionately about the shared responsibility to ensure that children are protected and equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
She spoke of the deliberate steps taken by the twin island Federation to place young people at the centre of national development through education and innovation.
She pointed to the reintroduction of the One-to-One Laptop Programme as a key initiative transforming the education system, ensuring that students across the Federation have access to digital learning tools.
Mrs. Prince-Drew also reflected on the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of strong digital infrastructure in maintaining access to education.
Beyond government efforts, Mrs. Prince-Drew told the summit of her non-profit organisation, the Joy Project, and other community and civil society organisations that continue to support children and families, including providing access to devices for those in need.
But she acknowledged that access alone is not enough, noting “we have complemented these efforts with a range of initiatives designed to ensure that technology is used safely, responsibly, and effectively.
“Across our communities, internet connectivity has been expanded through community centers, providing young people with safe spaces to access online educational resources. At the same time, digital literacy programmes are equipping students, parents, and teachers with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.”
Mrs. Prince Drew also referred to other initiatives in the country, including the work of the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, which is now helping to lead the development of a National Digital Health Information System, an initiative aimed at modernising healthcare delivery across the Federation.
She said that these achievements demonstrate what is possible when young people are empowered and allowed to lead.
“Excellencies, colleagues, St. Kitts and Nevis may be a small nation, but our commitment to our children is vast. By investing in educational technology, strengthening digital literacy, and promoting online safety, we are preparing our young people not only to participate in the future but also to shape it.
“Because when children are equipped with knowledge, guided by strong values, and supported by visionary and thoughtful leadership, even the smallest nation can help build a brighter global future for all,” said Mrs. Prince-Drew, who on Wednesday will attend a high-level roundtable at the White House.
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