OAS Director in St. Kitts, Mr. Starret Greene

Speaking at a Leadership Training Graduation Ceremony in Parsons last Thursday, Mr. Greene pledged the organizations full support in advancing the goals and aspirations of women in the twin-island Federation.

An OAS Press Release quoted Mr. Greene as telling the event, sponsored by the National Council of Women (NCW), that "the OAS was committed to supporting women in St. Kitts and Nevis, who picked up the pieces that resulted from the closure of the sugar industry, and boldly stepped out into a whole new world of adventure, filled with risks and driven by uncertainty."

The OAS Director told the women of the graduating class that the choices they made have opened up for them new possibilities, revealed new horizons for the utilisation of their skills and signaled their readiness to be worthy and successful entrepreneurs in the local market place.

Mr. Greene reiterated the willingness of the OAS to work with the Government and people of the Federation during this period of transitioning out of the production of sugar.

The Director said that within the limits of its resources and expertise, the organisation would focus on measures to improve peoples livelihoods, help created new opportunities for alternative employment and assist women to acquire the requisite administrative, financial, managerial, communication and technological skills that are critical for them to become fully integrated in the global economy.

Over twenty women received certificates for completing training in the making of local arts and crafts.

The Organization of American States has been active in the Federation of St.

Kitts and Nevis since 1985, and continues to play a critical role in the promotion of the political, economic, social and cultural development of the twin-island Federation.