BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew says he will be bringing to Cabinet a submission to address the important matter of increasing the birth rate in St Kitts and Nevis.

“This is about supporting families, securing our future, and investing in the next generation,” Drew, a medical practitioner, wrote on his Facebook page.

According to the Pan American Health Organization’s Health in the Americas publication, in 2000 the total population of the twin island was 45,461 inhabitants, increasing to 47,755 by 2023, a five per cent increase.

Regarding the country’s demographic profile, in 2023 people over 65 years of age accounted for 10.6 per cent of the total population, an increase of 2.7 percentage points compared to the year 2000.

In 2023, there were 107.3 women per 100 men and 55.1 older people (65 years or older) per 100 children under 15 years of age, as can be seen in the country’s population pyramids, distributed by age group and sex.

Considering the population between 15 and 64 years of age to be potentially active, that is being potential participants in the labour force, this group represented 70.2 per cent of the total population of the country.

Life expectancy at birth in 2023 was 72.2 years, lower than the average for the region of the Americas and 2.4 years higher that in 2000.

Drew’s statement drew mixed reviews, with one person writing, “the issue of our population is one that I have been advocating for some time now. We cannot grow the nation without a growing population. It’s just not possible and in fact will lead to more difficulties if we don’t get it going. I believe its our greatest problem at the moment”.

However, others said they were waiting to see what incentives would be offered – like free diapers, formula, clothing, after hours daycare, developmental toys, and special care if necessary for the first five years.

Still others said parents have called on the government for stronger child support enforcement mechanisms, such as garnishing wages, to ensure consistent child support.

“If I am not mistaken, the current child support amount stands at approximately EC$75 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) per week. At a time when the cost of living has risen significantly — transportation, food, utilities, and other essentials, it is concerning that this figure has remained unchanged,” one reader said.