New York City – Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, was honored with the prestigious MIPAD 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award during a distinguished ceremony held on September 26, 2025. The accolade was presented in New York City, coinciding with the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), recognizing Dr. Drew’s significant contributions and transformative impact on a global scale.
The Esteemed MIPAD Recognition
The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is a globally recognized civil society initiative that operates in support of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2035). MIPAD’s mission is to identify and celebrate high achievers of African descent across various sectors worldwide, fostering a network dedicated to recognition, justice, and development for Africa and its diaspora. The Lifetime Achievement Award is MIPAD’s highest distinction, reserved for individuals whose careers and legacies have demonstrably created lasting, transformative impacts across generations and borders. This year’s recognition places Prime Minister Drew among a select group of global leaders and visionaries.
Prime Minister Drew’s Vision and Leadership
Dr. Terrance Drew, who assumed office as Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis in August 2022, has been a driving force behind the nation’s “Sustainable Island State Agenda.” His administration has prioritized advancements in healthcare, the acceleration of the green energy transition, modernization of infrastructure, and the pursuit of inclusive economic growth. His efforts extend to deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Africa and its diaspora, thereby elevating St. Kitts and Nevis on the international stage. Prior to his political career, Dr. Drew served as a dedicated medical practitioner, specializing in Internal Medicine, earning him the moniker “Caring Dr. Drew” for his commitment to community support and advancement.
A Testament to Resilience and Collective Spirit
In accepting the profound honor, Prime Minister Drew emphasized that the award belongs not solely to him, but to the resilient people of St. Kitts and Nevis. He highlighted their unwavering spirit as the shaping force behind the nation’s journey as an integral part of the global African family. “To be placed in such company is humbling, but it is a testament to the journey of our people, past and present. This honour belongs to every citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Dr. Drew stated, underscoring the collective nature of the achievement.
His inclusion in this year’s MIPAD cohort also reflects a broader trend of increasing international recognition for leaders within the Caribbean region and their influence within the global African diaspora. The award ceremony often features cultural presentations and celebrates achievements across diverse fields, including those in the arts and entertainment sector, aligning with MIPAD’s holistic approach to recognizing influence.
A Cohort of Global Icons
Prime Minister Drew joins an illustrious roster of recipients, past and present, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. For the 2025 cohort, he stands alongside other globally celebrated figures such as media mogul Oprah Winfrey, tennis legend Serena Williams, and acclaimed actor and humanitarian Aaron Pierre. This association underscores the significant impact of Dr. Drew’s leadership and advocacy on the world stage, a noteworthy achievement for a leader from a small island nation.
Looking Ahead
The MIPAD 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award serves as a significant milestone for St. Kitts and Nevis, bringing its contributions and the leadership of Prime Minister Drew into sharper international focus. The recognition reinforces the nation’s standing and its commitment to progress, unity, and its connections within the global African community, resonating with ongoing news and developments across the Caribbean.