Prime Minister Douglas and his hard working team of Ministers of the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party have been commended highly for their exemplary leadership and proactive approach to change, especially as it related to the transformation of our sugar economy, to one based on services - with tourism in the lead.
The compliments came from the Guest Speaker at last Sunday's diamond jubilee Conference of the Party held at the Marriott Resort Ballroom " eminent Barbadian historian, educator, trade unionist and politician, Bro. Robert "Bobby" Morris.
The distinguished guest speaker, urged the leaders of both the party and its sister organization, the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union, not to rest on their laurels, but rather to recognize the imperatives of using past experience to secure a successful transformation and transition into the future.
He paid glowing tribute to the late revered Labour Leader and father of our Independence and Nation, the Rt. Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw, who took the landmark decision in 1975, to acquire (take over) the sugar lands, which he described as "an act of tremendous prescience and courage", adding that the decision to discontinue the reliance on the sugar industry is "one of principle and boldness extraordinary".
He observed further that the decision to end the production of sugar at this time is even more significant when we are reflecting on the 200th anniversary of the slave trade in the Caribbean and move into next year (2008) to mark the 174th year after the end of slavery (1834).
"When we reflect on the fact that St. Kitts, settled by Thomas Warner, was the Mother Colony of the English colonial settlements, we can truly appreciate the magnificent lead role taken by your government in destroying the pernicious hold which plantation had on the psyche and mind-set of our people", Bro. Morris declared.
"It's an act of tremendous courage", he re-iterated. "But let me make it very clear, there was a sugar revolution and there has to be a sugar deconstruction, because the sugar revolution was not created for us, but the deconstruction is"
It was vitally important he observed, that "you be released from over 300 years of control by a system that was not designed to uplift."
"It takes tremendous courage, to do that and I wish to say to you here that we in Barbados, we know we have to go that way too."
Describing the Party and the Union as "a citadel of the workers' of the Federation, the articulate guest speaker praised the past and present leaders of the two organizations " noting that it was a pleasure for him to address" a rare occasion of a Labour Movement which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in continuance as a successful champion of the workers of the Caribbean and St. Kitts-Nevis in particular".
"The decision to carry forward a Labour Movement which has been triumphant for 75 years- despite the numerous challenges and set backs " is to be commended highly", he declared, recognising the phenomenal passing grade, given by historians of international repute, to the work, contribution and achievements of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party which had its genesis in 1932.
He singled out the Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas whom he said had gained a reputation across the region as an outstanding leader and statesman and praised the leaders (past and present) for their foresight, vision, courage and unwavering and selfless commitment to improve the quality of life of all our citizens.
But he warned that they should not become complacent from the phenomenal progress that the country is now realizing from their exemplary leadership and "fruits of Labour" " they must continue to work hard and remain assertive and proactive to change, if they are to carve a successful path into the future.
"Those of us who walk with the elders and the greats, must not think that all the young people understand what we talk about", he admonished.
"We must not think that they have the same values and sensitivities that we have. We must not think that they are driven by the same things that drive us.
"You will recognise that in spite of all the good that you have done, there will be persons who will be willing to criticize you and therefore your work is a continuing work", he concluded.
These were indeed sound words of advice and we know they will not fall on deaf ears, because this Labour Party Government is a government that listens and responds positively to suggestions and criticisms - in keeping with its philosophy of consultative and people " oriented politics; and its motto: "For the good that we can do."
