BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 19TH 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said the renewal of the mandate by the electorate for a fourth consecutive term one year ago next Tuesday signifies the importance of committed and visionary work on the Government’s part to ensure that the twin-island Federation continues to stand tall among the world community of nations.
“That our young people are able to acquire essential skills and have real hope; that our adults have increased opportunities and expanded options; and that our country’s old and our vulnerable not only live in a country in which the Government cares, but live in a country in which the Government actually transforms caring into policies that work; that there is a private sector that works, and a political environment in which everyone’s God-given rights are respected and upheld,” said Dr. Douglas in an opening statement on his weekly radio call in programme.
Noting that the motto of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, is “For the Good That We Can Do,” and in the 2010 election, the voters gave the Party the opportunity to once again put into action those important words on which the Party was built, Prime Minister Douglas indicated that it is what his Government has done for the first twelve months of the new term.
“With commitment. And tenacity. And vision. Our being re-elected, though, has meant more to my Cabinet and me than simply receiving the faith of the voters – even though the faith of the voters is deeply valued by us,” said Dr. Douglas.
Looking forward to the one-year anniversary with gratitude first to God, and then to the voters, for having been given this opportunity, Dr. Douglas said there is a genuine sense of pride in what has been achieved over the past twelve months.
“St. Kitts and Nevis is a nation. One country. One people, really. And my Government has demonstrated our ability, and indeed the importance, of emphasizing and building on those things that unite the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and rising above those that might otherwise divide us. This is an important philosophical approach and an important political strength – and it is a strength and an approach that has served the Federation well, and will continue to serve us well, not only in our relations with our brothers and sisters in Nevis, but in this tumultuous world, in our relations with other nations as well,” he told listeners to “Ask the Prime Minister” which is syndicated on ZIZ AM and FM, Choice Radio, Kyss FM, Radio One, Sugar City Roc and Freedom FM.
Dr. Douglas said the government during the first year of the new four year term has pursued a much focused approach to crime-fighting and not just in St. Kitts and Nevis, but for the wider OECS as well.
“The days of crime being confined to any one country, as we know, are long gone. And even if they were not, should we not share with OECS member-states any opportunities, strengths, or techniques we may possess in this area? I think so! That is why we have impressed upon our international partners the importance of the entire OECS region having a sharply focused, well managed, well co-ordinated approach to police training, buttressed by the most effective technological and psychological approaches to crime-fighting,” said Dr. Douglas.
He praised the support of the international partners, in particular Canada and the European Union, to establish a Regional Security System Law Enforcement Training Institute to serve the entire OECS region to be headquartered in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Dr. Douglas also praised the strengthening of relations with the public and the security.
“People are coming forward in a spirit of openness, and I must thank the general public for this new and very valuable attitude. Crime is unquestionably a burden to any state, and murder, the most unnatural of acts - something that all countries would like to be able to stop. Period. This, however, is not always possible. And while even one murder in any country is, without question, one too many, we have noted that the number of murders fell in 2010, compared with 2009, and we are doing all we can to continue this trajectory,” Dr. Douglas said.
