Ambassador Palmer pledges continued United States assistance to St. Kitts and Nevis and bring both countries closer together

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The United States Ambassador to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Mr. Larry Palmer says the US$300,000 donation of furniture and equipment to the New Horizon Rehabilitation Centre “reflects the continued partnership between the United States and St. Kitts and Nevis, through the Humanitarian and Assistance Program of the U.S. Southern Command and the U.S. Agency for International Development.”

“Whether it’s helping to provide things like beds, desks, computers and security equipment to the facility today, helping to build law enforcement capacity, or advancing legal reform, we are all working together to reach people who are most at risk – from economic hardship or natural disaster,” the Barbados-based Diplomat told Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Marcella Liburd; Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin; Project Co-ordinator, Mr. Raphael Archibald and other invited guests.

United States Ambassador to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Larry Mr. Palmer
Ambassador Palmer pointed out that the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative – a partnership established between the United States and Caribbean states in 2010 – helps to improve the safety of the citizens of our shared region through the promotion of social justice, justice sector reform and assistance to vulnerable populations.

“It is within this context, ladies and gentlemen, that I must commend the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for committing resources to develop this Youth Co-Ed Rehabilitation facility that will serve to protect vulnerable youth, and to offer a second chance to those who have run afoul of the law,” said Ambassador Palmer.

He pointed out that the facility offers St. Kitts and Nevis “an opportunity to take the lead with an effective model for the protection of youth in the region.”

“We hope that your efforts here will lead to the effective and lasting rehabilitation of young offenders into productive citizens, and a stronger and more comprehensive juvenile justice system that reduces crime across the Federation,” said Ambassador Palmer.

He said the donation of equipment to the New Horizon Rehabiliation Centre “is only part of our commitment to your efforts to address issues related to youth in conflict with the law.”

Ambassador Palmer said the United States, through USAID’s Juvenile Justice Reform Program for the OECS, will continue to support the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in reforming the juvenile justice system and, specifically, to strengthen the capacity of this facility.

“As the United States Ambassador to your great country, I look forward to returning to St. Kitts and Nevis to see this important facility in operation, and to continue to deepen our strong, and cooperative relationship,” he said.