The Director of People’s Empowerment Mr Duncan Wattley returned to the Federation on Monday the 7th day of March after hosting three successful meetings with citizens in the Diaspora
March 10th, 2016 -- This inaugural trip as the Director of the Empowerment Department began on the 2nd of March and included visits to Tortola, Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas. Wattley’s first engagement saw him attending a food fair last Wednesday evening where he was a special guest of the Police Welfare Association, an arm of the British Virgin Islands Police Force. He was pleasantly surprised at the turn out and saw great strengths in having such an event so as to give the police and the public a chance to interact. The St. Kitts stall seemed to be one of the more popular stalls with items such as Cook Up, Goat Water and the good old Monkey Meat. In fact, the famous monkey meat was gone from the stall in quick time, thanks to the rave reviews from patrons.
There were a number of positives that emanated from the evening. The Director strongly believes that the new high command in St. Kitts and Nevis should seriously consider having an annual police week put in place and he expressed his willingness to have his department work with the police to ensure that this happens. He also got commitments from members of the BVI police force in the willingness to help the local police force establish a Neighbourhood police unit to assist with community policing in the Federation. Mr Wattley expresses his sincere appreciation to Superintendent Alexis Charles and Mr McCall for inviting him to be a part of the BVI Police Week.
On Thursday 3rd March, Mr Wattley convened a meeting with citizens of the Federation at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School. That evening also proved to be another productive evening as citizens of the Diaspora seemed eager to hear about the role of the new Department and the Director’s for the department. Since the department of Empowerment has some responsibility for people living in the Diaspora, Mr Wattley was able to highlight how citizens residing abroad can play an important role in nation building. He reminded them that despite living miles away from their homeland, their contribution is just as important as the people living at home. Many of the Kittitians and Nevisians thought that a meeting of that nature was timely and much needed.
A much smaller crowd gathered at the Catholic Community Centre in Virgin Gorda the following day to meet with Mr Wattley. This again was another lively and informative discussion and served as a timely opportunity for attendees to give suggestions as to some of the things they would like to see implemented at home. Most guests expressed their deep concern for the increase in violent crimes, as well as the political climate in the Federation. Mr Wattley promised that he will take their recommendations into consideration when formulating plans and activities for the department. This was certainly another successful forum, where people left feeling optimistic about the Federation’s future.
The outreach sessions culminated in St. Thomas where the guests converged at the Frenchtown Community Centre. Those in attendance were very encouraging and engaged in the dialogue. Wattley shared his firm belief that citizens living in the Diaspora play a critical role in nation building, particularly those residing in the US Virgin Islands. For one, he stated that there is a significant number of Kittitians and Nevisians in the three (3) islands. Secondly he observed that many are well educated and qualified; a good thing he believes as they can make meaningful contributions to the Federation.
That final night at the centre went very well and most attendees praised Mr Wattley for his efforts. Some expressed that they felt included in the process of nation building, something they had not felt for a long time. In fact, some citizens remarked that they sometimes felt left out and many times they are willing to make meaningful contributions to the Federation. Wattley promised to create an avenue through his department for the people throughout the diaspora to contribute to nation building.
Wattley extends a heartfelt thank you to all who assisted in making the meetings the resounding success they were. They include Mr Alexis Charles, Mr Shawn McCall, Mr Bernel Wattley and family in Tortola as well as the Principal of the Althea Scattliffe Primary School for ensuring the successful outcome of the meetings.
In Virgin Gorda, many thanks to Mr Samuel Mc Sheene, Mr Calvin Daniel and Mr Meed for ensuring that the meeting was a success. The owners of the Catholic Community Centre who provided the space to host the meeting as well as Mr O’Neil who provided the Hi-Fi system were also instrumental in the positive outcome of the meeting in Virgin Gorda. A heartfelt thanks to all of you.
The Director of the Department of Empowerment also thanks Mrs Grant, Mr Eustace Grant, Donaly Caesar-Liburd and son, Mrs Andrea James-Wilson and the UVI St. Kitts /Nevis Association, for making the St. Thomas’ meeting the success that it was. Thanks are also in order for the owners of Frenchtown Community Centre, as well as Mr Dale Morton for the wonderful photos.
Finally, Wattley offers a myriad of thank you to thank all the citizens of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis who attended the meetings and pledged their support for the love of country. Many thanks for the suggestions and recommendations that were made. They can be assured that the lines of communication with the department will always be available.
Plans are afoot for more Empowerment Forums in St. Croix, St. Maarten and Anguilla.
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