Paper hails PM Douglas’ ‘Reach out and Embrace’ policy
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File photo of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas (right) and Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry during a visit to the Premier’s Office (photo by Erasmus Williams) |
ST. KITTS, DECEMBER 6TH 2010 (CUOPM) – Recent legislation passed in the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly that allows the Joseph Parry NRP-led Nevis Island Administration to collect between EC$4 million and EC$10 million annually in corporation taxes from businesses operating in Nevis is being described as unprecedented and could only be accomplished through the hard work and astute negotiating skills of Prime Minister Hon. Dr Denzil L. Douglas and Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry.
“These two honourable leaders worked beyond a history of strife and rancor that had engulfed previous administrations and which essentially inhibited mature and responsible negotiations to take place, in order to arrive at such a necessary piece of legislation that will bring far – reaching and untold financial benefits to the people of Nevis especially in this time of serious global financial challenges,” the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Spokesman said in this weekend’s editorial, which noted that the Nevisian-born Attorney General, Hon Patrice Nisbett has described the legislation “is certainly a red-letter day for the people of St. Kitts and a green letter day for all Nevisians.”
The paper said it is indeed disheartening that during the passage of such vital and necessary legislation, the Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament, Hon. Mark Brantley, who hails from Nevis and who must have had previous knowledge of this legislation coming to the Parliament; absented himself from the proceedings in protest.
“He was supported by the PAM delegation in Parliament who found all sorts of foolish and ridiculous excuses to criticize and oppose the Bill, and walk out of the House in protest,” said the editorial, who said there is clearly a leadership rift between the Leader of the Opposition and his CCM Leader, Hon. Vance W. Amory, who fully supported the Bill, claiming it was long overdue.
“Our Prime Minister has demonstrated beyond a doubt that he has the will, capacity, ability, maturity and magnanimity to lead this country to greater heights and to succeed where others (before him) have failed. By his recent actions and successful passage of this historical Bill, The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2010, he has demonstrated to the world once more that he is a leader who is deeply committed to improving the quality of life of all the people of this beautiful twin island paradise, irrespective of their political biases,” said the Labour Spokesman, which added that Prime Minister Douglas must be commended highly by all right thinking citizens of both islands for his exemplary and astute leadership.
“Beyond a doubt, he is certainly our greatest and popular and successful leader, since our independence in 1983 – a leader and statesman with a good heart and conscience and a genuine love for his people.
The paper said Prime Minister Douglas has demonstrated by his “Reach out and Embrace” policy that “we are really two islands, one people and therefore that long history of strife and rancor must be ended.”
The paper said many will recall that this policy of “Reach out and Embrace” began with joint Cabinet Meetings between the Federal Cabinet and the Nevis Island Administration Cabinet in order to find common ground and to break down barriers that were separating us as a people.
“In fact, with a previous PAM Administration, the people of Nevis suffered many indignities with the way their leaders were treated and also with the supply of goods from St. Kitts,” said the Spokesman, adding:
“The People of Nevis must indeed be proud of Prime Minister Douglas and Premier Parry who are both working tirelessly and selflessly to bring about a truly united St Kitts and Nevis. It was certainly a miraculous achievement. And we thank God for giving us caring leaders like them to mould and take our country forward.”