Royal Basseterre Valley Park is of great significance to people, says PM Douglas

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (left) looks on as Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex reads the Inscription on the plaque which was earlier unveiled by her husband, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 5TH 2012(CUOPM) – The location of the re-named Royal Basseterre Valley National Park is of great significance to the livelihood of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Its atop the Basseterre Valley Aquifer – the source of the most precious commodity known to man – water, which, as we know, is the basis of all life. Indeed, countless and far-ranging cultures, religions, and societies across face of the earth, water is given very special symbolic significance,” Prime Minister Douglas told Their Royal Highnesses Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex at the ceremony during which a plaque was unveiled and a tree planted to mark the occasion in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Pointing out that the area is of such great significance to the Nation, in both a practical and a symbolic sense, Prime Minister Douglas said Kittitians and Nevisians of all ages will be free to simply be amongst flowers and greenery, in wide open spaces, the park’s very openness a reminder of the freedom, the liberation, the expanded opportunities for which so many of our forebears sacrificed so much.

“Just as importantly, this park, as I have said, will be a reminder of the dreams of our forefathers that brought us, as a people, to this point on this day. It will symbolize the peace and civility with which Britain and our leaders worked to ensure our transition from colony to that of an independent nation. It will remind us of the constructive relationship that exists between Britain and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. And it will be a reminder of today’s visit of Their Royal Highnesses, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England,” Dr. Douglas said.

He used the occasion to thank Their Royal Highnesses, Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, and their distinguished delegation and all guests, for being witnesses to the dedication.

“It is now, therefore, my distinct honour to dedicate today, for the eternal enjoyment of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the Basseterre Valley National Park which will be officially renamed the Royal Basseterre Valley Park with the unveiling of the Plaque by Their Royal Highnesses, the Earl and Countess of Wessex,” concluded Prime Minister Douglas.

The Inscription on the plaque that was unveiled by Their Royal Highnesses, Prince and Princess Edward, the Earl and Countess of Wessex in St. Kitts.