Put Aside Politics of Bitterness Parry Tells Nevisians
By Pauline Ngunjiri
Nevis Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Nevisians gathered at Grove Park to mark the St.Kitts and Nevis 24th Independence celebrations. Among the crowd were twelve Nevisians who were awarded for their outstanding contribution to the development of Nevis.
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Joseph Parry, Premier of Nevis, led Nevisians today (Wednesday) in celebrating St. Kitts and Nevis’ 24th Independence Anniversary.
He called on the need to unite and put aside politics that breed bitterness. “Put aside politics of bitterness,” Parry said. Principles that guard unity would continue to be observed such as being inclusive and honest, “we will continue to extend our hand of friendship.”
Nevis Island Administration (NIA) would stay focused to ensure that the economic and social welfare of all Nevisians was achieved. “Every person will be able to earn more, buy land, buy a car and take a holiday even if it is to St. Kitts,” the Premier said amidst applause.
New projects underway, he said, that would ease economic burdens on Nevisians include a geo-thermal plant that will reduce the cost of electricity per unit to 27 cents. Aware that water is an essential product, a company had been identified that will put in place the necessary infrastructure to help increase water on the island.
Tourism would be enhanced through various projects among them the building of a marina. The airport runway would be extended 1,000 feet towards the Nisbett Plantation to enable the landing of private jets “We do not want all the money to go to St. Kitts.” He however said that Herbert’s beach would remain open to the public.
Social Transformation would continue being enhanced to help curb crime and advise leaders to stop bribing youth as giving the youth handouts destroyed their self-esteem. “You do not know who they can attack. Let us not manipulate them”
The Premier thanked Nevisians for supporting NIA, “We have only served to empower you to be good citizens.” Hon. Parry explained that his ability to avoid being vindictive should not be mistaken for weakness. He said there was a time he was radical in his responses, but in time, he had become rational.
“I am not stupid. Changes but be made. Some want the government to fall. Five years from now, there will be a revolution,” the Premier stated.
Earlier in the morning, the Premier of Nevis accompanied by the Deputy Governor General Eustace John, inspected uniformed bodies and shortly after delivering his Independence speech, they watched from a podium the uniformed bodies march past them in slow and quick time, the advance in Review Order, The Feu-De-Joie, Three Cheers for the Nation and the Final Salute to the Nation.
Meanwhile, twelve Nevisians were awarded for being outstanding in the contribution they have made to develop Nevis. Awards were recognised within the following categories - Izez Claxton and Cedric Williams (Agriculture), Gaston Barry (Business), Luther Williams (fishing), Donald Hanley (Pharmaceutical Services), David Nathaniel Browne, Joseph Browne, Calvin Ward (Public Services), James Jeffers (Shoemaking), Doradeen Tyson (Small Business), Meredith Hendrickson and Percius Browne (Trade and Industry).
