BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (APRIL 17TH 2004) – Hundreds of Labour Party supporters, punctuated Thursday night’s public political meeting with “carnival-like” dancing in celebration of the positive leadership the twin-island Federation enjoys.
Solid support for the party, especially among young people was so evident that Political Leader and Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas told the large gathering they have “every right to be happy.”
He said the meetings leading up to the upcoming Labour Day activities will also usher in month-long celebrations in May recognising the achievements of First National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw, former Premiers the Hon. C.A. Paul Southwell and Sir Lee L. Moore and veteran trade unionist and Parliamentarian Sir Joseph N. France.
“These great men have gone before us and have led this country with sacrifices, have laid down their lives to move this great Country forward. We remember the lives and works of Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the Hon. Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, Sir Lee Llewellyn Moore, Clarence Fitzroy Bryant, E. St. John Payne and Fidel O’Flaherty and all the others who sacrificed their lives for this Party, the People of this Country and St. Kitts and Nevis on a whole,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said it was important that the workers and people of St. Kitts and Nevis identify on Labour Day with those who have “laboured to bring dignity and pride to the masses of the people of this country.”
“We take comfort that their lives have not being in vein, because to day, as the result of those who have gone before us, you have a Labour Government that demonstrates leadership that works for all of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. It is leadership that works for you,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who said the people of St. Kitts and Nevis have a lot to celebrate.
He said previous Labour Party Government and the present one that he heads, have provided ample opportunities for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister Douglas said the strong leadership in healthcare, education, tourism, housing, tourism, have been provided by his Government and has led to the improvement in the quality of lives of the people in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Dr. Douglas highlighted the construction of a new Sir Joseph N. France General Hospital, which the opposition People’s Action Movement had labeled as a “horse stable,” but failed to improve in their 15 years in office from 1980 to 1995.
Labour after extensive negotiations and being in office for three years constructed one of the most modern medical facilities in the Caribbean noted Prime Minister Douglas, who added that new health centers have also being built and existing ones expanded and renovated.
“We have trained more doctors, we have trained and brought home several specialists, we have trained more nurses in fields of specialization and dental services have been introduced in areas where it was not available and we have a state of the art eye clinic at the Joseph N. France General Hospital,” said Dr. Douglas.
Dr. Douglas praised the introduction of dialysis treatment at the major health facility. “Many persons, who could not access such services here and who could not afford to travel abroad, have much to celebrate,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who added that “dignity and pride have also been brought to those patients who suffer from HIV/AIDS and who have been provided with free medication so that they can lead an improved quality, productive and longer lives.”
He said the construction of the Royal St. Kitts Marriott Beach Resort and the Angelus as well as the upgrading and introduction of new services at other hotels have led to the employment of hundreds of nationals.
Dr. Douglas hailed the significant increase in stay over and cruise ship passengers as evidence of the leadership of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government working in the interest of the people.
He said the record number of cruise passengers and private jets arriving in St. Kitts as well as direct services from North America, Europe and the Caribbean are benefiting all stakeholders and an enhancement in the quality of their lives.
Dr. Douglas said the introduction passenger services by Caribbean star and Caribbean Sun and the soon to be introduced direct services by PANAM from Puerto Rico and Fort Lauderdale; American Airlines from Miami and BWIA from Manchester, England, are indications that St. Kitts is now the hot spot in the Caribbean region.
“I am proud of my country. This is a blessed country, a blessed government and a blessed people with hard working men and women,” declared Prime Minister Douglas.
He said that as a result of new employment opportunities and the increased payment of social security, his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Government ensure funding to provide adequate and affordable homes for ordinary workers.
Dr. Douglas noted that under the watch of Labour, sports, Music Festival and Carnival have been taken to a height that the Federation has never seen before.
The Labour Government, conscious of its obligation to the social development of the nation, has introduced new initiatives that have brought “dignity and pride to the people of this country, especially the elderly.”
Referring to the area of education Prime Minister Douglas noted more and more young people were entering the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and either staying at home or going overseas to study.
He appealed to parents to allow their children to go off to college and seek the financial assistance of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis which provides loans. “We have opened up opportunities at North American universities in Miami, Texas, Okalahoma, Alabama and other cities. We are not going to be here all the time and so we have to educate our people,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who pointed to the additional buildings to expand schools to provide not only additional classroom space, but also computer and science labs.
Dr. Douglas complimented all his ministers for their sterling contribution in enhancing the quality of lives of the people in St. Kitts and Nevis.
He praised the Hon. Cedric Liburd, the Parliamentary Representative for St. Peter’s, where the meeting was held, for the significant advancement in the areas of fisheries, housing, land ownership and food production.
On the issue of crime Prime Minister Douglas appealed for the support of the parents in monitoring their children and called on them to cooperate with law enforcement.
“Government will continue to provide full support to the police, the defence force and those citizens who are serious about taking their responsibilities seriously,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He appealed to young people, who have become new homeowners to be more responsible in their spending patters and to be wary of the higher purchasing of consumer items which they cannot afford to pay for while at the same time of servicing their mortgages.
“You will have less money to spend because you are investing in your own home. For God sake do not hang your hat where your hand can’t reach. Take time and you will get up there,” admonished the Prime Minister.
“Please for God’s sake, be more responsible. Sit down, plan your budget. Plan your spending. Don’t spend what you don’t have,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who further emphasised with opportunities come responsibilities.
The Prime Minister warned against selfishness, saying that there were some persons who having already benefited from the opportunities provided by his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Government, “want to prevent others by benefiting.”
