PM Douglas congratulates Montserrat’s First Premier, says new Chapter in island’s history

Montserrat’s British Governor, His Excellency Adrian Davis (left) swears in Hon. Reuben Meade as the island’s First Premier.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 3RD 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has congratulated the new Premier of Montserrat, the Hon. Reuben Meade.

Mr. Meade was sworn in as Premier of the nearby British Overseas Territory with the adoption of a new Constitution.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, I convey expressions of congratulations to you and the proud people of Montserrat for the conferment on yourself of the title of Premier and the adoption of the new Constitution of Montserrat,” Dr. Douglas said in a message to Premier Meade.

Dr. Douglas told Premier Meade the new Constitution “holds much significance for the Government and people under your able leadership as it opens up a new chapter in the history of your progressive country.”

“Moreover, this is quite opportune and marks an important political milestone for Montserrat and the rest of the sub-region as a whole, coinciding with the current process of full integration among the OECS Member States. There is no doubt that the long months of consultations this is indeed a welcomed outcome and a marked accomplishment for the negotiating team of Montserrat,” Prime Minister Douglas said.

He added he was convinced that “the constitutional changes will augur well for enhanced governance and engender new beginnings for more focused prioritization in the face of the challenges, uncertainties and opportunities that characterize the current developments in the global community.”

Reuben Theodore Meade, 57, was sworn in as the first ever Premier of Montserrat.