MANHATTAN, New York — AS world leaders gathered for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, used the platform to advocate for Taiwan’s inclusion in international bodies, the lifting of the embargo on Cuba, and stronger international support for Haiti.
Speaking during the General Debate on Saturday (Sept. 27), Dr. Drew stressed that global challenges require collective engagement, and excluding willing contributors weakens the international system.
With the Eightieth Session being held under the theme ‘Better Together,’ Dr Drew acknowledged that the world cannot ignore the continued exclusion of Taiwan from United Nations agencies.
Taiwan has been a longstanding development partner to many nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, and is recognized globally for its advancements in technology and contributions. However, Beijing has consistently blocked its participation at the UN.
"Excluding Taiwan from agencies where it can and must contribute — such as the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization — undermines global capacity for collective problem solving,” Dr Drew said. “Taiwan’s contributions in public health, technology and disaster response are not partisan; they are practical. To keep a door closed on cooperation in these domains is to take a risk the world cannot afford.”
Amid growing concerns over rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait, Dr. Drew urged the international community to pursue diplomacy over confrontation - emphasizing "calm, counsel conversation, and choose the diplomacy of dialogue over the dramatics of discord. Trade, travel, and talks are how we protect the livelihoods of ordinary people — whether in Taipei, Tallinn, or the twin islands of our Federation”.
Cuba
Turning his attention to Cuba, Dr. Drew joined fellow Caribbean leaders in calling for an end to the decades-long U.S. embargo, which he said continues to cripple the Cuban economy and hurt ordinary citizens.
“The economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba is a relic that continues to wound an entire people and weaken regional solidarity," he said. "Year after year this Assembly has affirmed that the embargo is gravely unjust. Saint Kitts and Nevis joins the Caribbean Community in calling for its end and for Cuba’s removal from the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism, which isolates it from commerce and cooperation. English: Cuba has long been a friend to the Caribbean."
Cuba has been a key partner to the region, particularly in health care, often sending medical personnel and supplies to assist smaller nations.
Prime Minister Phillip Davis of The Bahamas echoed the call for change, noting that "Our neighbours in Cuba have suffered for decades under an embargo which has caused suffering without delivering justice. The embargo has punished ordinary people without changing policy. Friends: Engagement, not isolation, is the only path forward. And so, The Bahamas will continue to add its voice to the many who say: ‘The time has come. Lift the embargo’.”
Despite the mounting calls, Washington has continued to pressure nations to cut medical cooperation with Cuba, reportedly even revoking visas for officials in Grenada who accepted Cuban support.
“A stronger, more sustainable Cuba enhances not only the well-being of its own citizens but the security and sustainability of the entire Caribbean basin. When islands share storms, we must share solutions. Sanctions do not save lives; solidarity does,”
Haiti
Dr. Drew also turned the spotlight on Haiti, urging the international community to step up its support for the Caribbean’s most vulnerable nation, which continues to grapple with political instability, violence, and economic hardship.
He called for more coordinated international action, noting that the Caribbean cannot carry the burden alone.
