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| La Valle desalination plant |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 31ST 2005 Nationals in New York are of the view that the recent developments in the Federation are positive and that the recent public meeting in the Bronx was a productive exercise.
Responding to queries from nationals, Prime Minister agreed with a Nevisian that town hall meetings be held in Nevis and not just St. Kitts.
Responding to individual concerns the St. Kitts and Nevis leader indicated that land on St. Kitts is zoned and that no area is exempt, all is available for investment, and there are no restrictions on nationals.
He said that the Ministry of Sustainable Development conducts environmental assessment studies on all of the land as part of the development strategy.
Dr. Douglas expressed the commitment of his St. Kitts Nevis Labour Government to continue to dialogue with the Private Sector in the economic transition period and that the empowerment of the people is a priority. He indicated that as the transition was approaching, a study was conducted with the assistance of regional agencies to consider who would be affected and how best to deal with them.
With regards the construction of golf courses, Dr. Douglas said that desalination plants had been built to ensure the availability of drinking water for domestic and manufacturing purposes.
With the coming into being of the CSME, Prime Minister Douglas mentioned the Development Fund that would be necessary for St. Kitts and Nevis and other CARICOM Member States to have access to before it could be implemented.
Responding to concerns on crime, Prime Minister Douglas stressed that whereas crime is a challenge, vigilantes were not permitted and indicated that the entire CARICOM region was working on combating crime together.
He mentioned that feasibility studies were being done in seeking out alternative sources of energy and St. Kitts and Nevis was #2 in the Caribbean in Human Development.
Dr. Douglas said relations between the people of St. Kitts and Nevis were good and were being strengthened and improved upon.
He said more vigilance would be undertaken to ensure that our local hotel workers are not exploited.
The Prime Minister also told nationals that the Permanent Mission is the link between nationals in New York and St. Kitts and Nevis, for those who want to assist and that a database is needed so that persons with necessary skills could be contacted if needed.
He also said that restrictions were in place for taxi and bus operators to ensure that the service remained safe for passengers and tourists and persons interested should apply through the proper channels.
