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| St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas
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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 31ST 2005 As the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party celebrated the First Anniversary of its Third Consecutive Term in Office, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas used the opportunity of a public meeting in the Bronx, New York last Thursday, to thank nationals of the twin island Federation, for their continued support.
Prime Minister Douglas, who is also the National Political Leader of the St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party, thanked all nationals living in New York and other countries, for participating in the electoral process by voting for the candidate and party of their choice.
To all our supporters who voted for Labour, in particular, those of you who traveled from here to participate in the electoral process on October 24th 2004, I say thank you, said Prime Minister Douglas.
He noted that it was the third electoral victory for the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party under his leadership and the third straight defeat for the People's Action Movement (PAM).
Yesterday (October 25) marked the first anniversary of my appointment to the Office of Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis by His Excellency the Governor General, an appointment I accepted with honour, pride and dignity that befit that high office, said Dr. Douglas.
He then indicated that the meeting was firstly to update nationals on the progress of his administrations fulfillment of their policies, and secondly to learn of people's reactions, views and opinions of his administrations performance over the previous twelve months and also over the last ten years.
The public meeting at St. Luke's Episcopal Church was chaired by Counselor at the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, Mr. Carlisle Richardson. Reverend Allister Rawlins delivered the convocation.
In brief introductory remarks, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, and Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations, His Excellency, Dr. Joseph Christmas outlined the changes taking place around the world with the environment and rising economic powerhouses.
Prime Minister Douglas following his own presentation responded to questions and comments relating to the need for town hall meetings to be held in Nevis, the percentage of former sugar land for sale to nationals, the environmental safety of the land, and what happens when the money given to former sugar workers runs out and the opportunities for nationals in working as small farmers, and particularly accessing the land, especially over foreigners seeking land for development.
Water usage and availability in light of golf course developments, the affect on locals with the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the rise in crime and the fact that protecting oneself could be perceived as against the law as well as the need and the need for everyone outside of St. Kitts and Nevis to know about developments in the Federation were among the concerns raised.
Nationals also sought from Prime Minister Douglas, clarification on the energy issue, developments in the Federal System, and on human development and indicated concerns on other issues including unemployment, the exploitation of local workers in the hotels, the role nationals abroad could play in assisting in the country's development, tax holidays, and the departure of investors at the end of the tax holiday period.
Questions on healthcare, national security including the continued patrol of police without arms and the use of technology in light of the criminal deportations from North America and Europe were also posed.
