PM Harris Calls for Putting “Country Above Self” to Address Key Challenges
(SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has identified key challenges that must be addressed in a concerted and organized way by all members of society, in order to solidify economic and social gains.
A recent statement by Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, said the abatement of crime, strengthening of families, return to positive influences for young people, improving parenting skills and responsibility and the inclusion of life skills, anger management training, conflict resolution and diversion programmes to bring about positive attitudinal and behavioural changes in youth were “challenges requiring collective, national effort on a consistent basis.”
The health and wellness of the population, better management of natural resources including sustainable programmes and new infrastructure to address the ongoing drought conditions, and the continual reduction of the national debt were also mentioned by the prime minister, as well as an economic rebalancing programme and wealth creation to secure a sound future for nationals.
“In addition to addressing these challenges, adequate attention and investment must also be made in infrastructure improvements such as an additional cruise ship pier, a cross country highway linking the western and eastern corridors of St. Kitts, and construction of a bridge between St. Kitts and Nevis to further enhance employment and economic opportunities across the two islands,” Dr. Harris stated. “Equally, we are bound to facilitate entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) development and job creation; further modernize our criminal justice system; and adequately enhance our parliamentary structure, inclusive of the construction of new Parliamentary Chambers, improvements in the use of Hansard technology, and introduction of the committee system to encourage broad-based public consultation before bills are brought to Parliament.”
In addition, Prime Minister Harris said he was looking forward to expanding the relationship between the Federal government and Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and continuing the dialogue to advance the development agenda.
“Ours are challenges that require joint, meaningful and demonstrative effort,” he said. “Our responses to these challenges also demand genuine love of country, and active fulfillment of our Federation’s motto: “Country Above Self”.”
While acknowledging the depth of the challenges the prime minster urged all to get involved citing the old adage: ‘many hands make light work.’