Parties agree to end debate on Evangelical Association transaction

ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 19TH 2010 (CUOPM) – The ongoing debate in the media with respect to certain transactions between the Evangelical Association and the Customs and Excise Department has been brought to an end.

This follows a meeting Thursday afternoon between representatives of the St. Kitts Evangelical Association, the St. Kitts Christian Council, the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Department.

A joint statement signed by the President of the NGO Coalition, Bishop Ron Dublin-Collins and the Financial Secretary, Mrs. Janet Harris said the parties agreed that there has been certain instances of miscommunications, misconceptions and wrong perceptions which have led to the current situation; that no useful purpose was being served by the current dispute and therefore the current Press Release would be the final official communication on the matter.

“All of the issues having been resolved, the parties decided to retract all of their previous statements to the media,” said the one page statement.

It added that the “parties reflected on their past cordial and supportive working relationship and expressed a desire for that sort of rapport to continue. They further decided that in future every attempt would be made to settle differences of opinion or complaints through the normal administrative channels by way of telephone contact, meetings and written correspondence.”

It concluded: “Having agreed to continue to collaborate for the building of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, the parties would like to encourage all citizens to also adopt this approach and to work in harmony for the enhancement of the quality of life of our people.”