PUBLIC PARKS MANAGEMENT TO BE MODERNISED WITH PASSAGE OF PUBLIC PARKS REGULATION (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 28, 2024 (SKNIS): A Bill, which aims to modernise the management and governance of public parks across St. Kitts and Nevis, also known as the Public Parks Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was successfully passed in the Federal Parliament on Thursday, November 28, 2024.  

The Bill was moved by the Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister responsible for Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Sports, and the Creative Economy.

During the second reading of the Bill, Minister Duggins emphasised the importance of updating the 1944 Public Parks Regulation Act, last amended in 1998, to address the evolving needs of communities across the country.

The honourable minister outlined the historical context of the original Act, which aimed to protect public parks, regulate their use, and assign management responsibilities to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports. However, as Minister Duggins noted, the existing framework faced challenges in accommodating community parks designed for broader purposes, such as family gatherings, playgrounds, and environmental education.

The amendment shifts the responsibility for declaring public parks to the prime minister, allowing any ministry to propose the establishment of parks tailored to specific community needs. Minister Duggins explained that this change would enable greater inter-ministerial collaboration and ensure that public parks are properly managed and funded.

The Public Parks Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, has several key updates, including allowing the prime minister to declare public parks independently or after consulting with other Ministers or the Premier of Nevis, ensuring flexibility in the creation of parks; assigning management and maintenance responsibilities to the Ministry that proposes the park, ensuring accountability and proper upkeep, and updating definitions to align with modern governance practices.

Minister Duggins highlighted the benefits of these changes.

 “This Bill is about creating more opportunities for our people. More parks for more people—this amendment allows Ministries such as Social Development and Environment to create parks that cater to children, families, and communities, not just athletes or tourists,” he said.

The amendment supports St. Kitts and Nevis’ vision of becoming a sustainable island state while contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, it advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering accessible green spaces, promoting environmental stewardship, and encouraging inter-ministerial collaboration.

“Madam Speaker, this Bill is a statement of our commitment to creating a future where every citizen benefits from shared public spaces that support health, culture, and the environment. By linking the development and management of parks with sustainable practices, this amendment contributes significantly to our national vision and the global goals under the UN SDGs,” said Minister Duggins.

The Public Parks Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which had its first reading on November 08, 2024, now stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to fostering community spaces that reflect the culture, values, and aspirations of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

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