BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Consultation with nationals overseas is also important in the decision making process.
The governing St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has always included not only citizens resident here but also nationals in the disapora in the decision making and shaping of policies aimed at enhancing the quality of life.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and other Ministers of the Cabinet have always made it a priority to meet with Kittitians and Nevisians as well as national associations in town-hall style meetings when visiting the various capitals on official business.
Recent visits were during worldwide celebrations to mark the 25th Anniversary of St. Kitts and Nevis Independence.
Prime Minister Douglas’ appeal to nationals overseas to return home upon retirement and assist in the economic and social development of the twin-island Federation has been largely successful as evidence with the creation of the first-ever Returning Nationals Bureau and the Association of Returning Nationals.
Scores of nationals have built or bought homes and returned to St. Kitts. Many have established new businesses, teach at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) and other school, nurse and are also employed in the private sector.
During the recent consultation on electoral reform scores of nationals called for retaining the right to vote and government has adhered to their recommendation despite calls from the political leader of the opposition People’s Action Movement (PAM), Mr. Lindsay Grant to disenfranchise citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis living overseas by making them ineligible to register to vote and to vote on election day by imposing a three-month or six-month residency requirement prior to registering to vote or voting during a general election.
In his recent message to nationals living in the Diaspora, Prime Minister Douglas noted people from all over the world often go to foreign countries, always intending to return home, but for one reason or another never quite get around to it.
“As I have said before, we know that wherever you may live, St. Kitts and Nevis will always be a part of you. At the same time, we know that only you can decide where you should live at any moment in time.
I do want to share with you, however, the fact that shortly after coming to office, my government realised that many Kittitians and Nevisians living abroad often think about returning home to stay, but find the prospect too overwhelming,” said Dr. Douglas, in his message available on www.youtube.com and his own website www.cuopm.com.
“In order to make the process as easy as possible, my government moved to establish the Returning Nationals Secretariat, and this office now ensures that any national wishing to return home will have a government office established specifically to provide advice and assistance,” said the Prime Minister.
He said the office can be reached through the switchboard at Government Headquarters, 869-465-2521 or 869-467-1378 or you can visit my website at www.cuopm.com.
