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St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas greets Secretary in the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU), Ms. Lilescita Williams. |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 30TH 2005 The Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis must be prepared to respond to the changing landscape and assist nationals of the Federation in getting involved in new business ventures.
In comments following a tour of the Banks new headquarters on the corner of Central Street and Church Street, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas complimented the Banks Chairman, Board Members and Staff for their achievements over the years.
He said the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has had a tremendous impact on the human resource development in the twin-island Federation.
The support for small businesses, our farmers, our fishers and those who have tried to start their own operations as small business people, I am sure that the Board must be complimented for changing the business landscape in this country to a large extent and this institution therefore is deserving of a new image, a new face, a modern image, a modern face and it will continue I believe from here to make its own contribution in the development of our people, said Dr. Douglas.
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The Reception area in the new Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis. |
He said the challenge for the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis is just beginning as all over the world countries are facing difficult and trying times.
Our people need to be more educated, especially the transition that must take place in their own preparation for the services industry that is fast developing in St. Kitts and Nevis, rather than the agricultural-based economy that we have had over the years, said Prime Minister Douglas, who added that with the decision to exit sugar production more opportunities will become available.
He said the time has come for the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU) in particular to work more closely with the proposed Business Unit of the Development Bank and expand its range of activities, no longer supporting the cottage industries that SEDU has been encouraging over the years, but must now begin to set its sights on new horizons for small and middle-sized business activity which must evolve in this new and changing environment.
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New Headquarters of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis |
Dr. Douglas, who met and spoke with several members of Staff during the tour said he was happy that the Bank at last has been relocated to its new home.
I know that the employees must feel a sense of pride that they are in a totally new environment which will be enhancing their productivity.
I am sure that the management must feel a sense of accomplishment having laboured over the last few years to have the new headquarters, said Prime Minister Douglas, who commended them for their patience having had to work under some difficulties at the old location..
I can see they are happy from the smiles on their faces and their comments as I went from employee to employee to congratulate and greet them, said Dr. Douglas, who also commended the Board of Directors under the chairmanship of Mr. Joseph Edmeade.
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St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas (c) flanked by General Manager of the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Auckland Hector (l) and Assistant General Manager, Mr. Lenworth Harris (r). |
Prime Minister Douglas was accompanied on the tour by the current Chairman, Mr. Joseph Edmeade, Incoming Chairman, Mr. Elvis Newton; General Manager, Mr. Auckland Hector and Assistant Manager, Mr. Lenworth Harris
