BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, January 3rd, 2013 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ new Governor General has told his countrymen to continue to build if they are stepping stones, but to stop building if they are stumbling blocks.
In his inaugural address after taking the Oaths of Allegiance and of Office before hundreds on the grounds of Government House on Wednesday, the veteran banker noted he was assuming the post fourteen days after St. Kitts and Nevis was classified a high income country, with the national kudos that that upgrade will attract and the challenges that will attend it.
“That elevated status is a supremely excellent reality. Our citizens who love our native land the best will recommit ourselves to work ever more industriously, assiduously and unceasingly to: maximize the benefits, privileges, and advantages of the new national status; minimize the disconcerting challenges in the short- to medium-term; and eliminate them over the long-term.
I will play my full part in that grand design,” said Sir Edmund in the presence of his predecessor, Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian; Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry and their Cabinets, Justice Errol Thomas, members of the diplomatic corps, senior public servants and private sector individuals and persons from all walks of life.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have our land, our nation, St. Kitts and Nevis to build, to make it and the people prosperous and safe. We have come this far but there is farther to go. We are Builders of legacy and history. To aid us in this noble task, each is given a Bag of Tools, and a Book of Rules. And each must make, ere life is flown, a Stumbling Block or Stepping Stone,” said Sir Edmund.
Calling on all to reflect in silence for a moment, Sir Edmund said: “Let us spend a moment in silent reflection. Now, in silence, let each one of us ask himself this question: What have I been building? If the answer to that question is a Stepping Stone, then continue to build with renewed energy, effort and enthusiasm. If the answer is a Stumbling Block, then stop building straight away. A Stepping Stone is in the country’s interest, but, contrariwise, a Stumbling Block is not in anyone’s interest, neither country nor countryman. It disturbs the peace and discourages goodwill toward men.”
“Let each one of us from this day strive to serve our country and not strain to serve himself. With God’s help, I will,” Sir Edmund concluded.
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