Caribbean and World leaders send congratulations on Independence 29

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastain (center) takes the Salute during the Parade to mark the 29th Anniversary of Independence. Lft is Lt. Colonel of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Mr. Patrick Wallace and right is Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, SEPTEMBER 21ST 2012 (CUOPM) – Several Caribbean and world leaders have sent messages of congratulations to the Government and people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

United States President, the Hon. Barack Obama in a message to Governor General, His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian has extended warmest congratulations on the 29th Anniversary of Independence.

“St. Kitts and Nevis is a key partner for the United States in the advancement of our shared goals in citizen security, economic development, energy and climate change,” said President Obama.

He added that the united States look forward to continuing “our productive and friendly relationship with your government and the citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis.”

France’s new President, His Excellency Francois Hollande in his message to the Governor General said he was delighted by the constant progress of integration within the region, marked in particular by the first meeting of the Inauguration of the OECS Assembly.

He noted that a delegation from the French Department of Martinique, led by the President of the Regional Council, Mr. Serge Letchimy, was present at this meeting.

“During the meeting held between your Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and Mr. Letchimy, several bi-lateral co-operation projects were discussed in the areas of linguistics, tourism, or geothermal energy with the island of Nevis.”

The French President said he was pleased with these initiatives which bring together “our two countries and which could bring about new developments if the negotiations being held, with a view to Guadeloupe and Martinique gaining access to OECS and CARICOM in the capacity of Associated Members, materialize.’

Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, told Prime Minister the Rt. Excellent Dr. Denzil L. Douglas “values its warm and friendly relations with Saint Kitts and Nevis. The India-CARICOM dialogue process is an important facet of our relationship.”

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (center) takes the salute at the Parade to mark the 29th Anniversary of Independence (left is Lt. Colonel of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Mr. Patrick Wallace and right is Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn.

He said he looks forward to the strengthening of relations between India and St. Kitts and Nevis.

Barbados’ Prime Minister, the Hon. Freundel Staurt in his message to Prime Minister Douglas said he hoped that “our two countries will continue to work together on the important issues facing our Caribbean region and that our relations will continue to be strengthened.”

In his message to Governor General Sir Cuthbert, the Secretary-General of the United Nations His Excellency Ban Ki-moon said the anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the proud culture and history of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“It is also a chance to reflect on the role Saint Kitts and Nevis are playing in our interconnected world. I appreciate your engagement at the United Nations, which is helping to forge shared to our common challenges.”

The United Nations Chief noted that the global agenda includes five generational opportunities to create the future, “promoting sustainable development, building a safe and more secure world, preventing crises, helping countries in transition, and doing more for the world’s women and young people.”

“In order to rise to these challenges, I am conscious that we must strengthen our Organization. A more mobile, efficient and effective United Nations to delivering for the world’s people,” said Ban Ki-moon.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Baldwin Spencer in his message to his St. Kitts and Nevis counterpart highly commended the theme for the independence celebrations, ‘Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families,’ “which encourages the country to consider the mission of advancement, has sought to promote inclusion and equality by involving the youth in this positive way.”

“St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda have always enjoyed strong relations. As you celebrate the history and achievements of your country, I take this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to this relationship. As we strive to further develop proud and economically viable Caribbean societies, I pledge that the bonds between our two countries will only grow stronger.’

Belgium’s Honorary Consul Mr. Aykut Eken expressed “deepest respect and heartfelt congratulations to Government and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”