St. Kitts – Nevis PM – Denzil Douglas
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
November 27, 2009 (CUOPM)
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas is leading the twin-island Federation’s delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from 27th to 29th November 2009.
“The Commonwealth Summit and its associated meetings provide a rare occasion for such a diverse group of countries, to come together to advance their concerns and perspectives on the various issues,” said Prime Minister Douglas just before his departure from the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport for Port of Spain.
Dr. Douglas said that the Commonwealth links people of developing and developed countries and provides an entry into every major grouping in the world.
“St. Kitts and Nevis welcomes every opportunity to participate in the various Councils of the Commonwealth in order to give voice to our major concerns and to ensure that the Commonwealth remains useful, effective and relevant towards meeting the needs of all member states and enabling us to rise to the challenges of the changing times,” Dr. Douglas added.
Other members of the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation are St. Kitts and Nevis High Commissioner in London, His Excellency James Williams, Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade and Foreign Service Officer, Ms. Nerys Chiverton.
A number of preparatory meetings were held ahead of the Meeting. St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and Culture, Sen. the Hon. Richard Skerritt attended the Commonwealth Business Council and made a presentation. Commonwealth Ambassador, Mr. Tavo Sergeant and Youth Officer, Ms. Chereca Weaver, attended the Commonwealth Youth Forum.
The Commonwealth Heads are meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and is being attended by distinguished Heads of State and Government from all regions of the world spanning Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia, the Caribbean and Europe.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of fifty three countries which aims to support each other and work together to advance shared goals on democracy and development. It brings together some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries with an overall population of some two billion people.
The year 2009 marks the 60th Anniversary of the modern Commonwealth and thus provides a unique opportunity for its diverse membership to not only address some of the major issues confronting the globe but also to reflect on its collective achievements and re-affirm its fundamental principles and values. Items for discussion will cover such topics as Climate Change, Development, Youth, Human Rights and Democracy.