BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has outlined a number of successes enjoyed by the Federation during his tenure at the helm but he challenges that the course set for further advancement cannot be successfully traversed unless all shoulders are put to the proverbial plough.
In delivering greetings at Camp Springfield following the Independence 31 Parade (Sept. 19), Dr. Douglas declared that there is much to celebrate, especially as it relates to the economy and debt management, education and healthcare.
“My dear people, after 31 years, the spirit of patriotism looms large and high. We are a people truly on the march from one era to the next, from one challenge being overcome to the victories that we have seen. We are far, we are far from being finished. We are on the move and that is why we say to you there is good reason for us to celebrate. We celebrate our achievements in the stabilisation of the economy, growth is now there for us to see, economic activity will continue to enhance the continued growth of our country.
“The financial situation has stabilised, we have become number one in debt management in the entire Caribbean region, is not amongst small islands which are in developing stages. Education is unmatched, healthcare continues to soar through the heights. We are on the move and we shall continue to celebrate our progress.”
Prime Minister Douglas declared that not only are all local sectors needed in the effort, but also members of the international community.
“It is very important that we recognise that we need all hands on deck because, for us to successfully navigate the challenges that we face in a very hostile world, we need all of our citizens on deck. We need the private sector, we need the public sector, we need our NGOs, all must be on deck.
“We cannot do it alone. That is why we will continue to reach out to friendly countries around the world and where we have not yet established diplomatic relations, we shall do so in the year ahead and all the other years of our independence.”
