BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - WITH the filming of their first movie set to ‘rap’ this week, it has been revealed that the MSR Media Group has pumped millions of dollars into the local economy since the arrival of the cast and crew.
That disclosure came from Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, who noted that the filming has also created more opportunities and jobs for the people in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I understand that in terms of contribution to the economy that every four months you will be injecting about US$1 million in our economy,” Prime Minister Harris announced.
In terms case of Nevis, it was revealed by Premier Mark Brantley at a recent press conference that the crew has booked villas and rooms until the end of the year and rented vehicles for the same period, among other initiatives that are creating economic activity for the island and the broader Federation.
While addressing reporters on Sunday (Mar. 21), Dr. Harris explained that the film industry in the Federation has received a boost, noting that “we are witnessing the birth of a new industry for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis”.
He intimated that the industry would provide jobs, high incomes and opportunities for the young people who are working within the creative industry.
Describing St. Kitts and Nevis as being very young in its development and with 65 percent of the population being under 35 years of age, the Prime Minister emphasised that it is opportunities like what is provided by MSR Media that would assist young people to achieve their full potential.
Tourism Minister Lindsay Grant welcomed the delegation of crew and actors, and highlighted the authentic nature of both St. Kitts and Nevis.
Currently, the crew, which is primarily based in Nevis, is scouting locations on St. Kitts to shoot several days on location for the second film, which is said to be a thriller.
Minister Grant maintained that as one travels the island, one “ will be struck by our authenticity rooted in our flourishing culture and exemplified by our warm, genuine people”.
That, he noted, is stirred by the history of the island being the center of the sugar trade within the Americas region.
He noted that St. Kitts also has a strong infrastructure presence that has been able to accommodate modern business opportunities, such as the airport which has the capabilities of landing the largest jets from North America and daily service of FedEx, among others.
