Deputy PM Condor highlights national developments during meeting in Canada
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File Photo of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Condor |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 17TH 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor has been highlighting the partnership between St. Kitts and Nevis and Canada over the past 50 years.
Updating nationals on developments in the Federation under the theme: “St. Kitts-Nevis and Canada, 50 years on,” Deputy Prime Minister Condor presented a synopsis of the partnership between the Caribbean nation and the north American country tracing the developmental road pursued, with all its challenges and achievements, post the failed West Indies Federation and the partnership with Canada to this present time.
He also highlighted the role that nationals, in this part of the Diaspora have played, in assisting St. Kitts and Nevis to carve out developmental strategies.
“Our Nation’s connection with Canada dates back to the period of the West Indies Federation, when as a Region, we benefited from their contribution of the (2) two ships; the Federal Palm and the Federal Maple, which transported passengers throughout the Islands, from Jamaica in north to Trinidad and Tobago in the south.
Then of course, it was Canada that provided one of the first organized opportunity for overseas employment for our Nationals, with the Canada Domestic Servant Programme. This I believe initiated or cemented the “remittances from abroad” phenomenon.
Additionally, over the years, assistance in terms of education through the CEDA Scholarship Programme and the building of schools, refurbishment of the airport, and the installment of a comprehensive well-drilling programme and more, has been forthcoming from the Canadian Government, as they reached out to assist in our Nation’s development,” said Deputy Prime Minister Condor.
He said it was essential that to remain mindful of the nation has been in forging ahead.
“That we keep our eyes on, and have a good concept of what we perceive that our country should be like, that we constantly evaluate our station, taking note of the progress made and the challenges faced in forging ahead; that we devise and implement plans and actions to accomplish our goal of a better Land for all! A better home for Kittitians and Nevisians, understand clearly the role of each individual in accomplishing that goal; and the role of partners and friendly Nations in our developmental thrust, is clearly outlined,” Mr. Condor told nationals.
He said: “Undoubtedly, over the past 50 years, our Country, St. Kitts and Nevis, has undergone remarkable change, that has seen vast improvement in our quality of life.