Basseterre, Saint Kitts – Nevis
April 15, 2008 (CUOPM)
Globalisation of the 21st century presents novel and dynamic conditions which threaten the interests of States worldwide.
So says St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris.
Highlighting the resources necessary to implement the plans and objectives of the Ministry for this year, Minister Harris said that current developments have created such an evolution that the impact on small developing states such as St Kitts and Nevis is colossal.
“Countries that succeed are those which to a large extent understand and adjust to the changing rules speedily and efficiently,” said Harris, who pointed out that it was therefore imperative that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of St. Kitts and Nevis develops, implements and improves on its mechanisms and programmes that will enable it to treat decisively and effectively with the challenges and opportunities of this phenomenon.
“The Ministry has budgeted for essential resources that will equip it to assume a more proactive approach in order to ensure continued effective pursuit of the Federation’s interests internationally. Increased funding is vital to continue to support the local operations of the Ministry, as well as to maintain effective representation at embassies and posts in foreign countries,” said Dr. Harris.
“Funding will support a broad array of programmes and activities to achieve foreign policy objectives; maintaining the coordination and fluidity of relations with our partners through dialogue; intensifying our collaboration with key States regarding common areas of interest; promotion of efficient multilateral affairs with an intensified presence in international organizations and projects that promote peace and development; strengthening of cooperation in diverse environments and collaborating with Organizations focused on integration of the region and the hemisphere,” he pointed out.
Dr. Harris said that the Ministry is fully aware of the priorities to diversify into tourism and financial services in this post sugar era and will in its bilateral and multilateral associations as well as in dialogue with the Diaspora attempt to procure support for initiatives in those veins.
“Most importantly, the Ministry will endeavour to manage the deployment of the instruments and resources at its disposal to enable it to fulfill its mandate, in a coordinated fashion,” he said.