CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – AMIDST fears that many work permits may not be renewed due to current financial difficulties, local leaders paid tribute to the expatriate community with a special service on Sunday (Feb. 8) at the Shiloh Baptist Church.
There was no specific reference to the work permit issues by any of the leaders as Premier Joseph Parry told the non-nationals: “We embrace you. I thank you for your contribution.”
The Premier encouraged them to stay “above the waters” during the current difficult economic times and he was optimistic that when all persons on the island remain strong during good and difficult times, the challenging times would help build a stronger people.
“You must understand when things are not so good and when they are bad,” he said.
The Premier however did not elaborate how this may or may not affect the non-nationals job security.
The Hon. Parry told worshippers that during the current challenging times it was important to reflect on the values that may have been lost. He said unity, being polite and generous to others are values that should be protected.
The Premier called on parents to spend quality time with their children. He also said children could benefit greatly should parents find time to teach them skills such as farming and other values that could built their character. He emphasised that children should also be taught to keep the island clean.
Parry told Nevisians to avoid partitioning the society as this could lead to chaos and confrontation.
He was accompanied to the service by the Minister of Health, Hon. Hensley Daniel and his wife Sonita Daniel; Minister Robelto Hector, who is the area Parliamentary Representative; Junior Minister Dwight Cozier; Legal Adviser Patrice Nisbett and Adviser in the Ministry of Education Christine Springette.
Leader of the Opposition Vance Amory, who was accompanied by executive members of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), said, “Brothers and sisters, we have come to show appreciation of non-nationals. Let us be careful to show hospitality to strangers because we may be welcoming angels.”
He said Nevisians have been strangers elsewhere and “non-nationals have brought numerous skills, cultures and strengths. We need to show them brotherly love. We ought to treat them with utmost respect and equity without pretence”.
The Hon. Amory said that even in the current difficult times, non-nationals should be treated with equity. He said, “They need not have any fear,” and added that they should be treated like Nevisian citizens. “You are doubly welcome and appreciated,” he said.
Shiloh Baptist Pastor, Eric Maynard was optimistic that the island would pull through despite the tough economic times. He called on the relevant authorities to hasten the opening of the Four Seasons Resort. He said it was crucial for patience to be exercised, noting strengthening the family structures would strengthen the nation.
He called on members of political parties to work for the common good of the island and to appreciate each other’s diverse points of view.
The Non-National Appreciation Day is Pastor Maynard’s brainchild and it has been held at the Shiloh Baptist for the past 11 years.
On Sunday, the Non-National Appreciation Day had an additional activity as a cross-section of non-nationals prepared their indigenous dishes which were sampled later in the day.
There have been fears among the expatriates that some work permits may not be renewed this year as the Nevis Island Administration is ensuring that employment is available for local persons who may be out of work due to the temporary closure of the Four Seasons Resort. The resort employs the bulk of the island’s population.
