Jamaica, UNAIDS and Kittitian Ambassador in Belgium send messages of congratulations to PM Douglas

A section of the huge crowd at Sunday’s Swearing In Ceremony of the new Labour Cabinet of St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (photo by Erasmus Williams)

ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 10, 2010 (CUOPM) – Letters of congratulations continue to pour in to St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas on his historic reappointment as Prime Minister for a fourth consecutive term.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Hon. Bruce Golding told Prime Minister Douglas that the people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, “in renewing your mandate as Prime Minister, have once again displayed their commitment and faith in your leadership and the vision of the country.”

“Jamaica values highly its relations with St. Kitts and Nevis and looks forward to further strengthening of the bonds of friendship between our peoples, especially as we work to secure opportunities for enhanced economic and social development of our countries,” said Mr. Golding.

Premier of Bermuda, Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Browne in his message to Prime Minister Douglas said the entire Cabinet and the People of Bermuda offer heartfelt congratulations on leading the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Administration to an unprecedented fourth consecutive five years term in office.

“This clearly demonstrates the confidence your electorate displays in your guidance and leadership, especially during the challenging economic times. As a close friend and ally, I personally share in your joys as you celebrate the inauguration of your new Cabinet on 7th February 2010, on what will undoubtedly be a most historic occasion,” said Dr. Browne.

He hoped that “under the leadership, the commonalities we share, will allow us to work closer on issues that may impact our countries now and in the future, especially in regards to our invaluable tourist industry.”

“As we forge through the many challenges that lie ahead, I wish fortitude and firm health to both you and your family, and look forward to the continuation of the steadfast and harmonious relationship between our respective countries,” said the Bermuda Premier.

Kittitian-born Her Excellency Shirley Skerritt-Andrew, St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador and Head of Mission to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union in a message to Prime Minister Douglas, said she has been in receipt of many congratulations and expressions of goodwill from members of the diplomatic community in Brussels, “who have been stunned at the historical significance of you and your colleagues achieving four successive wins in free and fair parliamentary elections, a feat only previously accomplished by that other great Caribbean intellectual and statesman, Dr. Eric Williams.”

“I consider these expressions of regard to be demonstration of the high esteem in which you are held internationally, which can only redound to the benefit of our country and region as we seek to develop global partnerships for peace and prosperity,” said Ms. Skerritt, who is also Chair of the CARIFORUM Group of Ambassadors in Brussels.

She reiterated her ongoing commitment to the service of St. Kitts and Nevis and the determination of the staff of the Eastern Caribbean States and Missions in Belgium to give the utmost support to “your administration and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis in the months and years ahead.”

UNAIDS Co-ordinator in the Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ms. Reeta Bhatia in her congratulatory message to Prime Minister Douglas said UNAIDS is in looking forward to working with him and his new Administration.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend you for the leadership you have extended to the AIDS response at the national, regional and international levels. Under your direction as the head of PANCAP, there has been a considerable scaling up. The region has already begun to mitigate the impact of HIV especially in the sphere of treatment,” said the UNAIDS official.

She said Prime Minister Douglas’ commitment “is heartening as you ensure that the encroachment of AIDS does not diminish the great economic and social gains made by this Region. We trust that with the renewal of your term as Prime Minister, you will continue to remain engaged at the helm of the regional response.”

“As you know, UNAIDS has worked in close collaboration with your national health officials and we are indeed committed to maintaining this notable momentum. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success and commit that our partnership remains a strong and fruitful one,” said Ms. Bhatia.

President of the Territorial Council of French St. Martin, Hon. Frantz Gumbs said the re-election of Prime Minister Douglas for a fourth consecutive term of office, confirms the adhesion of your population to your projects. We wish you and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, great success in the future.”

President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Foundation of St. Maarten, Ms. Frances Henry and Co-ordinator Mr. Irwin Morris wished that “God grant you wisdom and strength that you will need to continue to charter the course and for the challenges that are ahead.”