BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The President of Dominica, the Governor General of Canada and the Prime Ministers of Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda have expressed congratulations on the celebration of St. Kitts and Nevis’ 28th Anniversary of political independence.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas in his message to St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says through the hard work, initiative, dedication and civic responsibility of Kittitians and Nevisians “tremendous strides have been made, especially in the fields of tourism and manufacturing.”
“Grenada joins you as you celebrate your achievements. As one Caribbean Community, we will continue the process of building mutual respect and cooperation and nurturing the advancement of our peoples, empowered by our sense of common purpose and shared commitment to the integration process,” said Prime Minister Thomas.
Dominica’s President, His Excellency Dr. Nicolas J. O. Liverpool told Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian it is a time to celebrate the lasting friendship with St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Dominica looks forward to our continued cooperation through the sharing of ideas and the strengthening of our commitments to the Commonwealth, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other regional and international fora,” said the Dominica President.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Baldwin Spencer said that the celebration of independence of a country signifies yet another political milestone and provides a beam of optimism towards greater achievements and stability for its government and people.
“It is an important moment for your country to engage in unified reflection and continue to aspire to a common destiny of justice and peace while embracing St. Kitts and Nevis’ heritage and national pride,” said Dr. Spencer.
He told Prime Minister Douglas: “We have always enjoyed close relations and I trust that our two countries will remain committed in advancing the ideals and core principles of CARICOM and the OCES, as we strive to secure economically viable societies while strengthening our bilateral relationship.”
In his message, the Barbados Prime Minister, the Hon. Freundel Stuart said Barbados and St. Christopher and Nevis have enjoyed a lasting friendship.
“I look forward to strengthening those ties in the coming years, both at the bilateral and regional levels. It is my wish that our two countries will continue to collaborate on matters of mutual concern,” said the Barbados Prime Minister.
Prime Minister of St. Lucia, the Hon. Stephenson King said St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia have over the year’s maintained very friendly and cooperative relationship at the bilateral as well as through our efforts and integration within CARICOM.”
“As the Government and People of St. Kitts and Nevis celebrate this special occasion, the Government and People of St. Lucia take this opportunity to wish you success, peace and prosperity for the future,” Prime Minister King said in his message to Prime Minister Douglas.
Canada’s Governor General His Excellency David Johnson told his St. Kitts and Nevis counterpart that Canada has every confidence that both countries will continue to work together as close friends towards a more secure and prosperous hemisphere.
“Our countries enjoy warm relations founded on our long-standing cultural, economic and political ties. Our commitments to the many organizations in which we share membership, including the Commonwealth, United Nations and the Organisation of American States, continue to strengthen,” said Canada’s Governor General.
General Douglas M. Fraser, Commander of the United States South Command in congratulating St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Douglas said the “U.S. gained a strong friend and partner that day and we celebrate it with you.”
Caribbean leaders gathered in St. Kitts in July for the 32nd Regular Meeting of the Caribbean Heads of Government Conference (Photo by Erasmus Williams)
