Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 25, 2023 (SKNIS): Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, said that the benefits of diplomacy must redound to the ordinary man because anything the government implements must be beneficial to every citizen and resident.
Foreign Minister Dr. Douglas was at the time delivering remarks at the April 25 Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Edition of Diplomatic Week at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
“Whether we are building a resilient health system, securing safe drinking water, whether we are sustaining a social safety net or we are shoring up coastal infrastructure from encroaching seas, our diplomatic engagement must redound to the men in Mansion and St. Peter’s, to the women in St. Paul’s and Hamilton and the boys and girls in Charlestown, Basseterre and Old Road,” said Minister Douglas. “We will privilege boldness, experience, and expertise and we will reward outside-the-box thinking that prioritizes results. For in the end, foreign policy begins at home.”
Commenting on Diplomatic Week 2023, Dr. Douglas said it is quite consequential as a number of essential issues will be discussed, especially as the world continues to change.
“This week, we will consider our place in a changing world order and how we can not only help drive that change but leverage it to maximize opportunity for our beloved Federation. Amid the global reordering taking place owing to great power competition, we are hearing the voice of the global south,” said the Foreign Minister. “The voice is calling for a different narrative, one that regrets all forms of neo-colonialism, exclusion and unilateral action. This new ear must be anchored on equity, peace, justice, sustainability, resilience and yes, of course, independence.”
He said that the “new world order should privilege the poor who are among us”, adding that St. Kitts and Nevis has endeavored to do so.
“We should aspire to reconcile the planet and put people before profit. This is what we have done for the past 40 years in this twin-island paradise – St. Kitts and Nevis. Over the past 40 years, we have built the foundation for a fair, just and democratic society,” said Dr. Douglas. “Our diplomacy for the years ahead, therefore, takes on added value as we build and invest for the next 40 years.”
Foreign Minister Dr. Douglas said that the thrust of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry and Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Investment and Economic Development is to “venture into the world with great ambition and clarity of purpose to help construct the next chapter of our nationhood” especially as the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis gears up to celebrate 40 years of Independence on September 19, 2023.
