BASSETERRE, St. Kitts-PRIME MINISTER of St. Kitts-Nevis Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas said this morning (Jan. 20) that the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama has inspired him and the people of St. Kitts-Nevis to face the nation’s challenges head-on.
“Billions of people from every corner of the globe are captivated by the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America. The world is fixated in ways that are different from the way that they are usually drawn to, let’s say, a World Cup match,” Douglas said.
Among the ways that Obama has captivated the world, Douglas said, is that he serves as an inspiration to those who have faced obstacles, particularly persons of African descent.
“We in the Caribbean, like Barak Obama, have the blood of Africa flowing through our veins, we take a special pride in what this black man, against all odds, has achieved in the most powerful nation on earth.”
The PM noted that out of that pride comes “a renewed commitment to take up the tasks that are before us, and the challenges that are uniquely ours with as much dedication, determination and dignity as the man who captivates the world today”.
With serious obstacles such as crime and economic difficulties lying before St. Kitts-Nevis in 2009 and beyond, Douglas said it was time for the Federation to take a page from Obama’s inspirational achievement.
“I can sense that Kittitians and Nevisians, both home and abroad, are ready to strengthen and renew the social contract that binds us together as a people. We realise that the moment is now for us as one to conquer whatever has been twisting our culture, our society and our way of life.
“We too, like the President-elect, on this momentous and historical day set out to do great things for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He made a special plea to the nation’s young people to see Obama’s inauguration as a “statement to the world” that anything can be achieved through diligence and hard work.
