PM Douglas urges 175 local students to prepare themselves for leadership roles

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (left) presents a cheque to a local student as Resident Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Miguel Tsao (right) looks on.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 4TH 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas told students from schools in both St. Kitts and in Nevis of the need to prepare themselves for the leadership roles in all sectors of the Federation’s economy.

One hundred and seventy five recipients benefit from the monetary contribution totaling US$100,000 provided by the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the Human Resources Development Programnme.

During a presentation ceremony, Dr. Douglas told the students of primary and secondary schools, the Nevis Sixth Form and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) on St. Kitts it is an investment in their future. “You are here today, but you are our future prime ministers, our future doctors, lawyers, accountants, journalists, civil servants, engineers, hotel managers and hotel supervisors, businessmen and women, parliamentarians and sportsmen and women. Therefore you must prepare yourselves wisely. You must prepare yourself well,” said Dr. Douglas.

He said the investment is also to ensure that the environment for learning is there and that they can find the necessary assistance and support that will make each of them successful in school and be ready to assume the leadership roles and responsibilities in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The group of students who received monetary scholarships in photo session with Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Acting Minister of Education, Hon. Patrice Nisbett and Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Miguel Tsao.

Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador His Excellency Miguel Tsao in brief remarks at the ceremony held at the Basseterre High School Auditorium noted he is the proud father of two sons who have just begun college in Taiwan and loudly proclaim that one graduated from high school right here in St. Kitts. “I therefore know how proud a parent must feel if his or her children stay out of trouble and are excelling in school. I am sure the Honourable Prime Minister also shares my sentiments as he is also a proud father too. I know both his son and daughter are outstanding and Harvard graduates,” said the Taiwan diplomat.

He thanked Prime Minister Douglas for inviting the Government of the Republic of China “in this meaningful undertaking and I am grateful for your leadership and for investing in vital human-capital with our joint effort.” He pointed out that the Ministry of Education and his Embassy over the year have worked closely together on some cooperation projects which include the scholarship programme, the cultural performance, and today’s Human Resource Development Project. “To teachers, parents, and most important of all the students who are here today: congratulations! The achievements of students are the result of their discipline and hard work, the love and support of your parents, and the instruction and guidance of your teachers,” said Ambassador Tsao.

He concluded by expressing his Government’s commitment to working with St. Kitts and Nevis in this fundamental task of nurturing the bright minds and much needed talents of the future. “In this increasingly integrated global village, I am sure both Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis can benefit greatly in the future from the ever-growing number of exchanges between the young people of our two countries,” said Ambassador Tsao.