PM Douglas: ‘Land and homeownership is a greater springboard in social and economic security’

NHC Houses

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 23RD2012 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says land and homeownership is greater springboard in social and economic security.

“And not as some general, theoretical concept, but in terms of specific individual ownership and specific family ownership?” asked Prime Minister Douglas at a Press Conference Wednesday of his governing St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party to unveil plans to mark the party’s 80th Anniversary.

“From the roads and highways infrastructure that now facilitates expanded local and international commerce, to the telecommunications networks that connect our people to each other and to the wider world, from the health care facilities and services that are now available to our people, to the ever-expanding acreage allocated to our farmers, from our sea and port facilities that serve the interests of families and businesses throughout the Federation, to the safety nets that we provide to the most vulnerable segments of our society, from our expanded initiatives in the area of social and community development, to our efforts to battle the international scourge of crime,” said Prime Minister Douglas, in highlighting the achievements of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis since the formation of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party in 1932.

Labour Built Apartments

“We have, indeed, stayed the course. We are, indeed, running the race that our founders began. It is a matter of historical fact that the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party was established to jump-start, to accelerate, and to ensure the upward social and economic mobility of ordinary Kittitians and Nevisians,” said the Labour Party leader and fourth-term Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Dr. Douglas, the second longest Labour Party leader after First National Hero and Father of the Independence, the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, said it an unsettling, but equally historical, fact that certain other parties were established, specifically and unquestionably, to halt, to resist, and to thwart the upward mobility of ordinary Kittitians and Nevisians, as a means of blocking Labour’s efforts on behalf of the people.

“We are grateful for the people’s repeated recognition and expressed appreciation for our multi-faceted efforts and accomplishments on their behalf,” said Prime Minister Douglas at the party press conference.

Saddlers High School Computer Labs

Dr. Douglas, who served as the First Young Labour Representative on the Labour Party Executive in the early 1970’s, said the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has always believed in, and will always be committed to the upliftment of all Kittitians and Nevisians.

“There is wise and ancient saying, ‘Every human being is a human being.’ And the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party believes that. We are committed to helping Kittitians and Nevisians of all ages, classes, races, and religions achieve their potential- whatever that may be. We are here to help secure and undergird, for us all, a nation of peace and stability, in an increasingly turbulent and often frightening world,” said Dr. Douglas, the six-term Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher 6.

Dr. Douglas, who was first elected to the St. Kitts and Nevis House of Assembly in March 21st 1989,led the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party to victory in the 1995 General Election and has led the Party to its fourth straight election victory since then.

Cruise ships in Port

“Like those who established this great Party, we are here to serve. The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party is here “For the Good that We Can Do.” We are so proud, so grateful, and so humbled, to be a part of this remarkable Party. We are so honoured to be a part of the noble and righteous mission that got its start on these two islands some 80 years ago. And we are completely and resolutely committed to competently managing the task begun back then. Times may change. Circumstances may vary. But the goal remains. Justice. Freedom. Opportunity. For everyone.

With malice toward none, and charity toward all, as a great man[1]once said,” Prime Minister Douglas stated.