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| St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (l) welcomes new OAS Director, Antiguan-born Mr. Starret Greene. Mr. Greene succeeds Trinidadian Mr. Kenneth Parker. |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 7TH 2006 - St. Kitts and Nevis is looking to the new Basseterre-based Director of the Organisation of American States (OAS) to assist in the transformation of the national economy and strengthen its democratic and good governance principles.
Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in welcoming the new OAS Representative, Antiguan-born Mr. Starret Greene to the Federation, noted that he comes to his new position with tremendous experience in the diplomatic field.
Dr. Douglas hoped that Mr. Greene's new assignment will bear tremendous fruits and benefits for St. Kitts and Nevis, as the twin-island Federation, like several other Caribbean nations, is facing the challenges of globalisation and trade liberalisation.
He noted that the national economy of St. Kitts and Nevis is being transformed following the closure of the centuries-old sugar industry.
"We have the additional challenge of moving St. Kitts and Nevis from a largely agricultural-based economy to one of services led by hospitality, financial and information communication technology services," said Prime Minister Douglas.
"This we believe holds tremendous promise and I believe this is one of the areas that we would want to maximise our relationship with the OAS in order to realise our specific goals," added Prime Minister Douglas.
He said St. Kitts and Nevis has also had the benefit of the OAS in strengthening democracy and the democratic way of life in the Federation by encouraging "our people to reflect on our constitution which has been described in so many ways as being inadequate, especially in the relationship between the people on the island of Nevis and the people on the island of St. Kitts."
"The OAS has been helpful in this regard and we would hope that the efforts of the past would definitely be a part of your agenda as you carry out the important assignment that has been given to you by the OAS," said Prime Minister Douglas.
The new OAS Director has also paid courtesy calls on St. Kitts and Nevis Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.
Prior to taking up the post of Director of the OAS in St. Kitts, Mr. Greene served as Senior Advisor at the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and Minister Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the Organisation of American States (OAS).
He also served as Minister Counsellor and First Secretary at the High Commission of Antigua and Barbuda in London.
