ST.PETER’S (3rd November, 2009): The St.Kitts/Nevis Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for Tourism and Leader of the Labour Party, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas told voters that the Federation has progressed too much to take a risky change under the leadership of People’s Action Movement (PAM).
“St.Kitts and Nevis is on the move. We have progress too much under the Labour Party Administration in this country to turn back to PAM,” said Dr. Douglas at a public meeting in Upper Monkey Hill, Sunday night.
PM Douglas spoke about his government’s ongoing programmes and policies including that of education and health which address the socio-economic needs of the Federation, thus empowering the ordinary man and woman.
He pinpointed that the twin-island state has made many achievements over the last fifteen years, compared to equivalent time-span of the former PAM administration.
Speaking to education, the Labour Party leader was pleased that the education system here, provides the opportunity for young people from all walks of life- despite one’s economic status and political background- to attend colleges and universities, on the regional and international scene, for the betterment of self, family and Federation.
“The Labour Party has been investing in the educational development of our people. It is now the ordinary thing for your children, no matter how poor they are, to go off to university and sit in the same classroom as millionaires’ sons and daughters,” PM Douglas said.
The St.Kitts/Nevis political leader reflected on his government’s bold decision to close the sugar industry back in 2005.
It is understood that today this decision has become an applauded step and model-example by other Caribbean countries who have been trying for years to close their respective sugar industries, but are unable to do so due to socio-economic implications.
These islands include Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad.
But according to Dr. Douglas, the steps taken for transformation of the sugar-based economy to that of a booming tourism industry were achievable here in St.Kitts/Nevis, through the visionary work of his government.
“St.Kitts and Nevis is different, we have a different type of leadership here. Labour believes in people and that is why all over the country people are saying the socio-economic progress here- It’s working,” he remarked.
Upon highlighting the health care infrastructure, Dr. Douglas said the Federation is up to date with the modern health facilities.
He outlined that there is a policy that stipulates females 55 years old and males 60 years and older can access health and medical service free of cost.
Such policy, he further explained, applies to all local students of high schools, colleges and universities here, even if he or she is 18 years and older.
Additionally he made mention of the newly built Pogson Medical Centre in Sandy Point that has boosted the development of health care in St.Kitts and Nevis.
“There has been too much progress under the leadership of the Labour Party for us to turn back at this stage. We are on our march to victory,” PM Douglas concluded.
