BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 25th, 2017 (PRESS SEC) – In his inspirational and uplifting 2017 Christmas Message, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said it gives him great joy to know that his Government of National Unity has “improved the well-being of our people” in such a short time.
Prime Minister Harris went on to vow that, “We shall pay particular attention to our young people,” while also noting: “In this regard, St. Kitts and Nevis is the smallest nation in the world and we can be incredibly proud that we have eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, a feat yet to be attained by economic and scientific powerhouses in the world. For this fine accomplishment on behalf of our children and indeed on behalf of all of humanity, we give thanks to Almighty God.”
At a Validation Ceremony held in Basseterre on December 1st, 2017, World AIDS Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with its partners including PAHO, UNAIDS and UNICEF validated the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis’ national health system as having achieved the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis status.
In his message aired on national TV and radio today, Monday, December 25th, 2017, Christmas Day, the Honourable Prime Minister also said that, “Prudent fiscal management allowed my Government to give our public service workers their own Christmas present by paying a double salary two years in a row. New businesses are being established, jobs are being created, and our economy is strong. These, in my view, are our gifts from God.”
Prime Minister Harris continued, saying: “Wise choices reap rewards for our people, and it is our intention as a Government going forward to continue to make sound and prudent decisions for the benefit of our beloved Federation. Taking Christ as our example, noting his ubiquitous itinerary of doing good and being of excellent service to the people, your Government will continue to focus on making a remarkable positive difference in the quality of life of our citizens, stimulating more jobs and better wages, delivering affordable quality healthcare and education, supporting enterprise and entrepreneurship, and of course ensuring good governance, peace, democracy, stability, and prosperity for all.
“This Christmas Day and into the New Year, I encourage you to adopt the positive themes expressed in Titus [a book in the Bible] into your lives so that they may emanate onto the streets in our communities and bless each and every one of our households.”
Striking an optimistic tone and citing Titus Chapter 3 verses 3 to 7, the Honourable Prime Minister declared: “As this beautiful nation of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates the Christmas Season, my Government is focused squarely on the positive themes expressed in Titus, mainly kindness, love, mercy, generosity and grace, and on ensuring that they are bestowed upon all of our people.”
Prime Minister Harris added: “As we provide the right environment and circumstances for St. Kitts and Nevis to thrive, I want to use this opportunity to invite all of us to share some of that hope and optimism in all that we do, particularly during this special time.”
