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In a recent interview, Hon. Dr. Joyelle Trizia Clarke, the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, emphasized the importance of increasing the birth rate in St. Kitts and Nevis for the country’s future economic prosperity. According to Minister Clarke, the declining birth rates in the Federation present a challenge to the nation’s long-term development and economic stimulation.

“Yes, the community engagement is going to be critical for the Ministry to share with different pockets what’s happening,” Minister Clarke stated. “There are different agencies who have particular keen interest in the Census data, and for us, we look and we see that while children are present in the census, the birth rates are declining. The Prime Minister, as a medical doctor, has encouraged us to have more children. We need it for economic development to stimulate the economy a little bit more, and we can manage it because balancing a population with the resources—that’s what you always have to do for development that meets the needs of everyone.”

Minister Clarke’s comments were made in the context of the country’s most recent population census, which has revealed shifting demographic trends, including the decline in birth rates. With a population of 51,320 across St. Kitts and Nevis, and the average household size decreasing, the Minister highlighted that addressing the declining birth rate could help ensure the island nation’s future economic stability.

Economic and Social Impact of Declining Birth Rates

The Minister explained that the decline in births poses a challenge not only for population growth but also for sustaining the workforce needed to support the country’s economy. In the face of an aging population and fewer children being born, it will be crucial to find ways to incentivize family growth while balancing resources and infrastructure.

While the government is committed to managing these changes with policies that promote both economic growth and family development, Minister Clarke stressed that a balance must be achieved. “We can manage it, and it’s about striking a balance between population growth and the resources available to us,” she said. “The government will continue to focus on ensuring that the development needs of the population are met, but encouraging larger families is one way we can address some of these challenges.”

Collaborative Efforts for Future Development

The Ministry of Sustainable Development will continue its efforts to engage the public through consultations and community outreach programs to ensure that the findings from the 2022 Census are fully understood. Public engagement will be key to shaping policies that align with both the economic needs of the nation and the desires of its citizens.

Minister Clarke also indicated that agencies within the government, including those focused on social development and healthcare, would play vital roles in encouraging the right environment for family growth.

As St. Kitts and Nevis looks to its future, Minister Clarke’s call for larger families underscores a broader strategy to stimulate the economy and secure the Federation’s continued growth and development.