SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS LAUNCHES CIVIL SERVICE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts, September 11, 2025 (SKNIS) – The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has officially launched the CFBC-Jenkins Ltd Executive Leadership in the Civil Service Course—a landmark initiative designed to strengthen leadership capacity among permanent secretaries and directors across ministries and departments.

The 12-week course commenced today, Thursday, September 11, 2025, with an opening ceremony at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) campus.

In her remarks, Head of the Civil Service, Ms. Thelma Richard, urged the participants to embrace the training as the beginning of a journey—one that goes beyond professional development and enters the realm of transformative leadership.

“As permanent secretaries and directors, you are entrusted with defining and redefining the strategic directions of your ministries and departments. This requires more than operational excellence, it demands leadership that is strategic and agile,” Ms. Richard said. “I foresee this programme equipping you with the knowledge, skills and ability to learn to lead more effectively within your various ministries, and to lead your projects and initiatives.”

Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, reinforced the importance of structured leadership training for the civil service. “It is a disservice to ask anyone to take up a task without providing the necessary tools, and that is why I asked that this course be put together,” he said.

The prime minister further highlighted that early in his government’s term, the entire Cabinet of Ministers—including the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, with two decades of experience as prime minister—undertook their own training in effective leadership.

“You are the ones who determine how government functions, and it was therefore essential that we provide this opportunity,” Dr. Drew stated.

He further noted that participants will graduate with certification, ensuring their new skills can be applied throughout their professional careers. “This sets the tone for effectiveness, accountability, and innovation. In times of challenge, it is leadership that steadies the course. In moments of opportunity, it is leadership that ensures we seize the moment to benefit our people.”

Dr. Drew commended CFBC for partnering with the government to design a course specifically tailored to the realities of the civil service. “By offering a programme that is tailored to the realities of our civil service, the college has become a true partner in national development,” he said.

Both Prime Minister Drew and Ms. Richard expressed deep appreciation to Peter Jenkins, course facilitator and founder of the Jenkins Training Institute, for his expertise and partnership. They credited his growing reputation in the field and his passion for building others as driving forces behind the successful launch of the training course.

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