PM Douglas pays tribute to Dr. Robert Ross, says university in West Farm demonstrated the viability of the off-shore education model
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The flag of the United States at half staff at the International School of Nursing and the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts (photo by Erasmus Williams) |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 22ND 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says the establishment of Ross University in St. Kitts three decades ago continues to be another bridge between the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and the people of the United States of America.
Expressing sympathy on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday’s passing of the medical pioneer and founder of the medical institution Prime Minister Douglas said the name “Robert Ross” is well known in St. Kitts and Nevis, as a result of the many years of collaboration and cooperation that developed between St. Kitts and Nevis and Dr. Ross.
“Ross University, the School of Veterinary Medicine established by Dr. Ross decades ago in what was then a rural area of St. Kitts is now a thriving institution of higher learning attracting young people with an interest in veterinary medicine from across the United States. Not only have these young people come to our country to pursue their studies, but, as a result, they have gained insights into our nation, our history, our culture, and our people – just as the people of St. Kitts and Nevis have developed greater insights into the culture, history, and people of the United States. Ross University, then, continues to yet another bridge between the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and the people of the United States of America,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He said that Dr. Robert Ross was a pioneer and his establishment of Ross University in West Farm, St. Kitts, demonstrated the viability of the off-shore education model, and this is a model that has been replicated, with great success, elsewhere in St. Kitts and Nevis since.
Prime Minister Douglas noted that ever looking for new opportunities, and aware of his Labour Administration’s interest in establishing constructive partnerships for the benefit of the twin-island Federation, Dr. Ross, after transferring ownership of Ross School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000, moved without delay to establish the International University of Nursing – just one mile distant from his original campus.
“Barely seven years thereafter, in 2007, yet another off-shore educational institution was established by Dr. Ross in St. Kitts – this time, The University of Medicine and Health Sciences,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr. Douglas said the relationship between Robert Ross and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis was a positive and constructive one.
“We know that it will not be easy for Anne, his wife of 40 years, or their children and grandchildren to get used to his absence, but I know that they are enormously grateful to have had him in their lives. On this day, we trust that the words and support of so many will give them both strength and comfort,” said Prime Minister Douglas.