Kittitians and Nevisians in Canada must maintain national development contributions
ST KITTS AND NEVIS NATIONALS RESIDING IN CANADA must maintain their significant contributions to both nations, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew said in his maiden independence address since his triumph at the August 5th polls.
“As we reignite, refocus and recreate for our own national development, so too do we look forward to doing the same for this most important and maturing partnership. Canada has been the third-largest preferred destination for several waves of migrants from St. Kitts and Nevis since the 1950s and, as such, Canadians of Kittitian and Nevisian origin represent the third largest grouping within the Diaspora of St. Kitts and Nevis,” PM Drew said.
Diplomatic ties between St. Kitts and Nevis and Canada were established on 11th October 1983, less than a month after Basseterre joined the independent world community of nations on 19th September 1983.
At an independence ceremony organised by the St. Kitts and Nevis Association of Toronto (NEV-CAN Association) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Circle of Care, PM Drew noted that the twin-island state has a double celebration: 39 years as a sovereign country, and 39 years of diplomatic ties with Ottawa.
The event held at the Saint George on Yonge Anglican Church in Toronto Canada attracted a wide cross section of nationals in and around Canada. Among those in attendance was the Consul General, Ms. Brenda Foreman.
The twin celebration should not be taken for granted, PM Drew counselled, considering the rapidly changing global dynamics of today’s highly-interconnected international society and economy, and Basseterre’s efforts to carve a niche for itself and play a larger role advancing its development vision.
“In this light, the Diaspora of St. Kitts and Nevis who study, work and reside in Canada, plays a critical role in the articulation of new linkages between the two countries that would yield reciprocal benefits in terms of the productive mobility of labour, education, skills development, investment, tourism promotion, trade and job creation,” he declared.
Drew pointed to Basseterre’s long-term plan when it cemented relations with Ottawa. For him, opening their own High Commission in Ottawa is proof the island is in it for the long haul.
“We recognized then, that by having an established national, rather than regional, diplomatic presence, St. Kitts and Nevis would be better able to give greater institutionalised policy focus toward harnessing the treasure and talent of our Diaspora in Canada for national development as well as mobilizing and leveraging our influence to securing the necessary policy shifts in Ottawa that would yield greater economic, trade and investment exchanges between the two countries,” Drew said.
He continued, “I am pleased to have learned that the activities of our High Commission over the last seven years since its establishment (in 2014) has been a truly dynamic one and the strengthening of people-to-people ties has been at the core of St Kitts and Nevis’s mission in Canada. This takes on added significance as we re-focus, re-create and re-design for a more self-sufficient, resilient, innovative and sustainable future for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis wherever the reside both at home and abroad”.
Drew told attendees at the ceremony he is confident nationals will give as much to their country as his administration intends to give to them.
“I promise you that by the strength of our common endeavour, we can set a new and ambitious course for the Land of Beauty we all love so dearly. Our Federation has every potential to be nothing less than a model 21’s Century nation and a regional and international success story.”
Despite challenges, the PM remains confident they can embark on a new and progressive course that it will take “their people-centric and solutions-oriented agenda to the world.”
“Join us as we seek to re-create our institutions, our systems, our social and political culture for more self-reliance and improved quality of life for our people. Join us as we strive to take our country back to Number One in the region and make our mark as a premier destination for investment and people-to-people exchanges that not only lead to economic sustainability but also enhances the social and economic well-being of our people in ways that are equitable, accessible and inclusive to all regardless of socio-economic status, creed or political affiliation,” he declared.
He cautioned however that the success and privileges that they currently enjoy should in no way be taken for granted as it has been 39 years of significant and continuous work.
“Thirty-nine years as an independent country has brought with it the stark reality that the true test of our civilisation as a people is not the size of our towns, the diversity of our industries, or our access as a people to the material trappings of wealth, but the kind of man and woman that our country produces. The essence of a society is its people. People make a society. True community, true love, true bonding, true unity, true transformation and true enrichment can only come where justice, love, integrity, fairness, kindness, peace and compassion abound.,” PM Drew counselled.
Self-governance, Drew said, must be buttressed by self-discipline and responsibility in the pursuit of these highest principles and values adumbrated in his independence address.
“This is the standard that we must all uphold. This is the national consciousness to which we must all rise as citizens, young and old” PM Dr Drew advised.
