Prime Minister Harris addresses United Nations General Assembly
(ZIZ News) — A rousing round of applause followed the Prime Minister’s address on Friday morning at the 9th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) in New York.
The St. Kitts and Nevis leader, the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris, touched on a number of issues during his 18 minute speech but what was clear was his government’s commitment to delivering for the people in a transparent manner.
“We are reminded that action is required to create decent jobs for our people, build schools for our children, deliver quality healthcare for all and provide affordable homes to our working mothers and fathers,” he said as he assured those gathered “that St. Kitts and Nevis stands committed to the process of implementation which, of course must include a robust, systematic and effective monitoring and review process.”
The issue of climate change received much attention as according to Harris, certain acts of nature have the capacity to undermine the country’s economic growth and threaten food security.
“Climate change for us is of utmost importance. It must never be placed on the proverbial back-burner,” he said, adding that “for Small Island Developing States like St. Kitts and Nevis, it remains an existential trend. Our well-being in this economic, social and environmental dimension is threatened by natural disasters, devastating floods, sea level rise, persistent drought, coastal erosion and ocean acidification.”
The 9th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York was centred on the theme “The United Nations at 70—a new commitment to action.”
The General Assembly is the main deliberative policy making and representative organ of the UN.
The Prime Minister’s address comes amidst a hectic schedule in New York where he has participated in several events including a church service to celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Independence; a reception hosted by President and Mrs. Obama; the Costa Rica-CARICOM Presidential Breakfast; and meetings with Team UNITY’s leadership and nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis.