OFFICIALS REMIND THAT SMOKING IN PUBLIC REMAINS ILLEGAL IN ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 24, 2025 (SKNIS): Senior government and law enforcement officials in Saint Kitts and Nevis are issuing a stern warning: smoking in public spaces is strictly prohibited and can be met with various enforcement actions, including fines and possible imprisonment.

Under Section three (3) of the Smoking (Designated Areas) Act, 2023, smoking outside of designated smoking areas is prohibited. Smoking is defined in the Act as the use of any lighted or heated device or pipe or any other lighted or heated cannabis or cannabis resin intended for inhalation, including electronic smoking devices, etc.

On Wednesday’s edition of the radio and television programme, InFocus, members of the National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention (NCDAP), condemned the action of smoking in public, which can cause health challenges for persons with respiratory illnesses.

“We do not want people going around blowing smoke in people’s faces,” said Chair of the NCDAP, Travis Rogers.

This covers cigarettes, cannabis, cigars, vaping and the like. Mr. Rogers, who is also an Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, reminded that while cannabis use was decriminalised, it is not legalised. As such, there are penalties prescribed by law for these acts outside of designated areas.

“If you are caught smoking in public, a ticket may be issued, and that ticket is $500,” he stated. “If you fail to pay the $500, you can be given a 20-hour community service, and if you don’t adhere to that, you can be given five days in prison.”

Director of the NCDAP Secretariat, Karimu Byron-Caines, noted that the Council helped to shape the suite of cannabis-related legislation in 2023, which included amendments to the Drugs (Prevention & Abatement of the Misuse and Abuse of Drugs) Act, Cap. 9.08.

“It’s about balance,” Mrs. Byron-Caines stated. “We want to respect everybody’s rights and everybody’s tolerance. The laws are there, especially for religious purposes, [if] it is part of your faith. The laws have been provided for that. Let us respect each other. … It is not legal to smoke in public spaces, and I really hope that people hear and share this message.”

Director Byron-Caines added that law enforcement has given “more than enough time” for the public to be educated about the new laws. She encouraged everyone to visit www.cannabisclarityskn.com to better understand what is allowed and what is restricted under the law.

The NCDAP, government agencies, and law enforcement will continue public education activities as the full enforcement of the law approaches.