BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, May 18, 2010 (Labour Secretariat) - Prime Minister and Leader of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas said that his Labour Government is committed to its mandate of social and economic change despite an “ocean of economic problems and developmental challenges of global origins and dimensions”.
Speaking at the 78th Annual Labour Party Conference at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on May 16, Dr. Douglas said that the Labour Party’s historic fourth consecutive victory at the polls is a clear indication that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis are confident that his party in government is capable of continuing the social and economic transformation that the country needs.
Dr. Douglas said that if his party is to remain relevant in changing times, his administration’s social and economic policies must continue to highlight a preferential option for the poor.
“Poverty and deprivation often rob people of that sense of belonging and destroy their capacity to realize their fullest potential,” he said. “Hence, I emphasize that poverty and insecurity have been the number one enemy of successive Labour administrations in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
“Indeed the failure to address the needs of lower income groups has brought about the downfall of parties all over the world. Labour cannot fail in that endeavour because the empowerment of lower income groups and the advancement of the quality of life for our people are the rise or death of our own party,” he added.
Dr. Douglas, who was unanimously re-elected as the Labour Party leader at the conference, highlighted the importance of being relevant in a changing society if his party is to continue in office.
“If the Labour Party is to remain relevant in changing times then the Labour Government in office must continue to execute projects, programmes and activities that are consistent with the mandate and philosophy of the Labour Party and thereby touch the lives of our people in a very positive and meaningful way,” he said.
“This great Labour Party that was created by the workers of this country in the pursuit of justice and liberty for all and the advancement of our people has demonstrated once again that it can change with times and continue to offer protection and comfort to our people, especially our poor and underprivileged even as it opens up new opportunities for entrepreneurship, income generation and wealth creation for the abandonment of the shackles of poverty and deprivation,” Dr. Douglas said at the opening of his conference message.
The conference was held under the theme: “Commitment and Efficiency Today Means Greater Advancement for All”.
