BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, May 31, 2025 (MMS-SKN) -- The hosting of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 in St. Kitts and Nevis has clearly shown the exponential genius, intelligence and innovation that lives, breathes and grows within island nations and that they need not depend on external forces for their power as they can nurture valuable, made-to-fit solutions among themselves.
That was the view of the Federal Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities et al, the Hon Konris Maynard, when he addressed the closing ceremony of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on Thursday May 29.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Prime Minister the Hon Dr Terrance Drew, who was actually present and keenly following the proceedings, Minister Maynard said: “We have accomplished a great feat over these past three days - here in St. Kitts and Nevis, a small island developing state in the Eastern Caribbean. We welcomed, convened and exchanged as island nations from those closest to home, to the furthest regions across the world.”
According to Hon Maynard, the Summit welcomed 232 youths who he described as ‘our torchbearers for tomorrow’; 274 delegates ‘each one a champion for change’: 150 visiting students ‘the next generation of innovators and advocates’; and 20 local vendor ‘whose presence reminded us that sustainability must also uplift local enterprise and community resilience’.
In thanking those behind the successful holding of the summit, the Hon Dr Joyelle Clarke, the Federal Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, was singled out for her “environmental stewardship and the way you use your work and your Ministries to ensure that sustainability is not just a token, but a way of life is truly an inspiration.”
Members of staff of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action et al. were also thanked for their leadership in the hosting of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025. He also thanked Government ministers who attended and participated in person or took time to pre-record their statement, and delegates from across 45 countries who answered the call to gather in St. Kitts.
Also thanked were the summit sponsors and partners for their essential contributions, and the Minister highlighted the Republic of China (Taiwan) who were a Platinum Strategic Partner, for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering sustainability and ensuring its accessibility in every way possible.
In thanking the Island Innovation team, led by its CEO Mr James Ellsmoor, Minister Maynard said: “Your collaboration and your work to bridge island nations through the practice of sustainability is appreciated. Thank you for your steadfast partnership, cooperation, and connection - without which this Summit would not have taken flight.”
He added: “Your trust in our Government, people and vision shows what is possible when we centre unity, diversity and intention.”
With the successful hosting of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025, which was officially opened by Prime Minister the Hon Terrance Drew on Tuesday May 27, Minister Maynard strongly advised that the country’s geographical boundaries should not be allowed to determine its strength and consistency of its engagements.
When Mr James Ellsmoor, Chief Executive Officer of Island Innovation, delivered remarks at the closing ceremony where he thanked the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and all who made the Global Sustainable Islands Summit 2025, which was the first in this region, the success it was, he remarked at how “something that started just with an idea has really become now a global event.”
Last year the summit was held in Prince Edward Island, Canada, where the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, the Hon Dr Terrance Drew, was one of the speakers, while in 2026 it will be held in the Canary Islands.
The announcement of the hosting of the 2026 edition of the Global Sustainable Islands Summit was made via a video screening during the closing ceremony on Thursday May 29 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort by Mr Raul Garcia Brink, Counsellor for Environment, Energy, Climate, and Knowledge in the island government of the Grand Canary Islands.
At the closing ceremony, which was moderated by Island Innovation’s Director of Sustainable Development Mrs Grace Henry, Global Sustainable Islands 2025 Local Event Lead, Ms Sharon Rattan, named persons who were to receive a series of awards, which were presented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Action Mrs Colincia Levine.
Among the recipients included Prime Minister the Hon Dr Terrance Drew, and the CEO of Island Innovation, Mr James Ellsmoor.
“As Prime Minister Drew reminded us, ‘The ocean may separate us, but it also connects us’, this summit has strengthened those connections,” said Mrs Grace Henry. “Thank you St. Kitts and Nevis, for hosting us with such grace. Thank you to our speakers, sponsors, partners, and delegates for your invaluable contributions. Safe travels and we look forward to seeing you in Gran Canaria (in the Canary Islands) in 2026.”
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