Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 13, 2019 (SKNIS): The Honourable Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Agriculture et al, is encouraging nationals to pay attention to the crisis in Venezuela as it can serious ramifications for St. Kitts and Nevis in several ways if it escalates seriously further.
Minister Hamilton was at the time speaking at the (March 12) community consultation in Cayon, an initiative which forms part of the Team Unity Administration’s fourth Anniversary Calendar of Activities which runs from February 11 to April 16, 2019, under the theme: “TEAM UNITY: Making Dreams a Reality in Every Community!!!”
…” If things were to escalate in Venezuela where there is war, you can have an influx of individuals in this very country who may not be running away from Venezuela but trying to avoid war. And if they were to come here, it will affect the quality of you as an individual and of us as a people,” said Minister Hamilton. “It will affect the health situation; it will affect the food and nutrition situation in St. Kitts, so I don’t want us to ignore what is happening in Venezuela.”
Minister Hamilton noted that persons might be of the view that it is not happening in St. Kitts and Nevis, but it is right on their doorsteps, adding that “it is not yet in your house because no war has started so let’s not ignore it, let’s pay attention.”
He used the occasion to acknowledge the role and dedication of Prime Minister Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris, who is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“At this time, he is the Chairman of CARICOM in a time when CARICOM needs a leadership especially in dealing with the crisis to do with Venezuela, so let’s pay support to the prime minister and CARICOM for pursuing the vision that they see for Venezuela which is a peaceful resolution of what is taking place there,” said the minister, while congratulating Prime Minister Harris for his leadership of CARICOM presently.
Just a little over two months ago, Prime Minister Harris assumed Chair of CARICOM., and has garnered the support of his colleagues. During the opening ceremony of the 30th Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General of CARICOM, lauded Prime Minister Harris for his leadership in promoting peaceful dialogue on the current political impasse in Venezuela.
