BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, September 19, 2018 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – As St. Kitts and Nevis celebrates 35 years of nationhood today, September 19, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris is imploring Kittitians and Nevisians everywhere, at home and abroad, to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements made by the twin island Federation over those years.
“As we stand at 35, we are forced to conclude as eminent attorney Anthony Gonsalves QC has, that we have achieved quite a lot, accomplishments that far outweigh our petite size and limited resources,” Prime Minister Harris said during his annual Independence Day address to the nation.
“We take note of the prudent fiscal management of our country that has seen us record above average economic growth and surpluses year after year. We meet our commitments at home and abroad. We are current with our obligations to the OECS Supreme Court, UWI, etc. We have achieved landmark marquee status as a cruise destination. More branded hotel properties are looking to our country as the destination of choice. Our performance on regional exams is above average. We are the first of the English speaking Caribbean to be certified by PAHO/WHO for having successfully eliminated mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS,” the prime minister added.
However, the Honourable Prime Minister notes that while it is important that we all reminisce on how far we have come as a nation, it is also essential for us to be able to look towards the future with promise and hope.
“Our future must build upon what is now a strong and firm foundation for nationhood. Both at home and abroad, we must continue to strengthen our resolve and commitment towards building an even stronger country,” Dr. Harris continued.
As such, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris implored all nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis to bring forth their ingenuity, industry and creativity.
He added, “If you have a bright idea for business, step forward. If you want to advance your education, step forward. If you want to develop your career, step forward. If you want to help shape our health care, step forward. If you want to create a safer society, step forward. Each and every one of you, step forward because the future is bright.”
Prime Minister Harris used his Independence Day address to remind each and every Kittitian and Nevisian that “together we stand and in unity we succeed. Together we can build St. Kitts and Nevis anew, on a more resilient and sustainable basis.”
