~~Adz:Left~~ PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (JUNE 4, 2007) -- Within the framework of the 37th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, St. Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry and Commerce Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, along with the other Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 34 member states of the OAS engaged members of civil society, OAS Permanent Observers, and the Private Sector on a wide range of topics of mutual interest. Minister Harris acknowledged the important role being played by civil society in broadening the perspective of the OAS on several matters of concern.
During that meeting, the representatives of the Governments of the Permanent Observers made several pledges of financial support to the work of OAS. Turkey expressed an interest in furthering their assistance to the CARICOM region. Additionally, the Government of Thailand announced their offer of short-term scholarships in an array of disciplines, including hotel management.
"These scholarships will respond to the governments thrust in further developing our Tourism industry and will prepare our people for employment in the hospitality sector," Minister Harris commented. Several pledges were made to assist with electoral reform, democracy building initiatives and ICT projects in the OAS member states. Dr. Harris commended the Permanent Observers for their offer of assistance, indicating that such support increases the OAS capability to execute programs of interest to member states.
In their dialogue with the Foreign Ministers, the private sector representatives made several recommendations including the need to develop alternative energy resources in this hemisphere. Building on initiatives underway in Saint Kitts and Nevis, Minister Harris noted that the Federation is already engaged with hemispheric partners within the OAS to continue the study of the viability of the transformation our sugar cane into a cheap energy source for our citizens.
Minister Harris is accompanied by Izben Williams, Ambassador, and Ms. Jasmine Huggins, Minister-counsellor in the Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Organization of the American States.
