Modernizing St. Kitts and Nevis’ Economy

(ZIZ)– St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Patrice Nisbett has given the assurance that the Federation is open for business. However, Minister Nisbett is of the view that changes have to be made to the Federation’s economy before additional opportunities are realized.

Speaking at recent Diplomatic Training Workshop in St. Kitts, he said the Federation intends to play a more active diplomatic role to modernize and establish economic resilience in the national development agenda.

“We have been laying the foundation for a more modern, technologically enabled, economically resilient and environmentally sustainable island state. Many of you have been instrumental to this process but the task ahead requires all of us to do more. Success depends on you,” he said.

The three-day seminar was designed to give Foreign Service Officers and frontline senior civil servants a clear understanding of the challenges of small developing states and define their role in representing such states.

Minister Nisbett said changes are already being made at the governmental level to facilitate the modernization of the Federation’s economy.

“We have clarified the foreign policy and are building the processes and procedures to expand our consular and diplomatic footprint around the world, so that we can better respond to the resilience and prosperity agenda at home. This is critical in ensuring that the world understands our priorities. This is important in communicating our preparedness to engage not in a donor-recipient relationship but in as strategic partners in development,” he explained.

The workshop also sought to sensitize participants and challenge them on how to use practical diplomacy, awareness of modern technologies and corporate cultures, coupled with learning new skill sets to enhance opportunities for St. Kitts and Nevis to succeed in a rapidly changing and competitive global marketplace.