Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says the precence of a set of professionals from the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) marks a significant milestone in the deepening of Africa-Caribbean relations through practical, people-centred cooperation in healthcare and education.
Prime Minister Drew told the official welcome ceremony that the initiative is a clear demonstration of purposeful partnership, moving beyond symbolism to tangible outcomes that benefit citizens directly.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew with members of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC)
‘Words are cheap. Action speaks louder than words,’ He said, adding that the presence of the NTAC professionals in the twin island Federation reflects a deliberate commitment to results-driven collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.
The professionals, who will reside and work in St. Kitts and Nevis for the next two years, will support national efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and education services, bringing deep experience, leadership, and technical expertise to key institutions.
Prime Minister Drew said the partnership underscores the broader historical and cultural bonds that unite Africa and the Caribbean and that the two regions share not only ancestry, but also a common legacy of liberation, resilience, and self-determination.
He told the ceremony of the lasting impact of previous Nigerian professionals, particularly in the health sector, had on the country, noting that their contributions significantly elevated standards of care and earned enduring respect across the Federation.
He said that the engagement with the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps aligns with the Government’s broader foreign policy direction, which prioritises meaningful partnerships with Africa and other developing regions, grounded in shared heritage and mutual benefit.
‘May your time among us be one of success and impact, and may it demonstrate, on the world stage, that Africa and the Caribbean can work together to build our own future,’ Prime Minister Drew said as he also reflected on the deep and enduring educational ties between the two countries, particularly in the training of medical professionals.
‘A lot of Nigerian doctors were trained right here in Saint Kitts and Nevis through the Windsor University School of Medicine. Presently, you have a Kittitian Nigerian Doctors Association in Nigeria. When I went there, they reached out to me, and I think it has to be at least hundreds of Nigerians who have trained here and have gone back, many of them to Nigeria, to contribute.
‘ So it is a symbiotic relationship. You have come as professionals and students came. They got prepared, and they went back to Nigeria. The bond continues to grow,’ said Prime Minister, who is also a medical practitioner.
Education Minister Dr. Geoffrey Hanley in welcoming the five professionals assigned to the education sector, said this ‘initiative reflects the enduring friendship and cooperation between our two nations, and it underscores the shared commitment of advancing education and health for the benefit of our people.
‘I also say to you that I’m also in discussion with your Ministry of Education for further support in the areas of autism, disabilities, and possible scholarships,’ he added.