BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - PRIME MINISTER Dr. Timothy Harris is reminding citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis that despite the economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot to be thankful for during this Christmas Season.
In his national Christmas Day Message, Dr. Harris alluded to the grace of God that has allowed for the Federation to remain resilient during the pandemic, despite the global challenges being experienced.
“.... for God has been good to us. He has spared our lives in an environment in which over a million persons have died as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“God’s goodness and mercy have prevailed in our lives here in St. Kitts and Nevis. If for no other reason, we can celebrate this Christmas with a sense of favour and with praises to God who lent us his Son as our intercessor,” Prime Minister Harris added.
He recognised the work of the frontline workers, including law enforcement officers, who he noted have “put their service and duty first even at risk to themselves”.
“I want to thank our health and medical professionals who worked around the clock, putting the needs of the wider society ahead of their own. I want to thank those workers who kept our Federation running, putting their nation first. I thank you sincerely. Thanks! Thanks to you for the part you have been playing in keeping our beloved Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis safe,” Harris saidd.
With there being an urge to minimise international and regional travel to prevent the spread of the virus, PM Harris underscored that Christmas 2020 has brought on the sacrifice of not being able to celebrate with family and friends abroad.
“I know it was difficult not being able to see your family and friends residing overseas as you would like, or living life as you used to. But it was your sacrifice, following the rules, that made the difference and helped to protect our Federation through the difficult period of COVID-19. Our all of society approach has become a model not only for addressing the pandemic, but a best practice for good governance. We can all feel good that our collective efforts have resulted in St. Kitts and Nevis being designated as a low-risk jurisdiction by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America,” he reminded.
The PM reiterated that the Federation has the lowest infection rate in the region with no death, urging that thanks must be given unto God for his mercy and grace.
He however that the threat of an outbreak of the virus is still possible and all must practice the safety measures and protocol recommended by health officials.
“The threat has not passed! The virus is still with us and other countries are now experiencing and reporting on a second wave. We know that by working together, committing ourselves to the health and safety of each other and standing together, there is nothing we cannot face and nothing we cannot achieve," he said.
St. Kitts and Nevis currently has four active cases of the virus with no deaths recorded and no major community spread of the virus.
