Published 4 June 2017
Statement on the “Blue Finance proposal” issued by “The Department of Marine Resources”
Contrary to reports being circulated, there is no agreement in place between Blue Finance and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to manage our marine space.
St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area (SKNMMA) was established on August 18th 2016. The Department of Marine Resources has received a proposal from Blue Finance to assist the Federation with the management of these vulnerable marine resources in a sustainable manner.
As a result there are discussions currently being held with various stakeholders to obtain their input on the Blue Finance proposal.
All benefits and drawbacks of the proposal along with stakeholder’s inputs will be examined in order to arrive at a recommendation to be forwarded to the Minister of Marine Resources.
This recommendation will be further forwarded to Cabinet at the appropriate time for a decision based on existing policy and the implications of such a proposal on the wellbeing of our Federation.
The Department of Marine Resources’ first responsibility and priority always is to protect and preserve our marine resources for the benefit of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis
We would like to reiterate that the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has not signed any agreement with Blue Finance or any other entity to manage our marine areas.
