PM Harris and AG Byron
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
July 12, 2015
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Sylvester Harris sought Thursday (July 9) to deepen the Federation’s partnerships and collaboration with entities in the United Kingdom (UK).
He began the day with a visit to the campus of the renowned Imperial College London – a research leader in the field of robotics surgery for sensing, detecting and treating certain physical conditions in a non-invasive manner. It is also a teaching facility which marries robotics engineering with imaging technology for enhanced detection and development of high quality skills to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Based in part on the keen interest and priority the new Government attaches to improving access to high quality healthcare by residents and visitors alike, and the developing niche for medical tourism on the islands; Dr. Harris graciously accepted the invitation of Professor the Right Honourable Lord Darzi to tour the University’s Institute of Global Health Innovation.
Dr. Harris was received by the University President and its Rector and was given several demonstrations by its highly skilled staff. While there, the Prime Minister was able to see first-hand some of the pioneering techniques and to try out some of the equipment for robotic surgery being developed by the University’s engineers, researchers, clinicians and other medical staff.
Later in the day, Dr. Harris went on to pay a call on the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office where he held bilateral discussions on matters of critical importance to St. Kitts and Nevis and the United Kingdom.
The Honourable Prime Minister used the opportunity to brief the Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Americas on the reform agenda as it relates to the Federation’s signature Citizenship-by-Investment Programme. He stressed the pragmatic and tangible steps his administration is taking to strengthen the Programme and to make it more sustainable, transparent and robust.
Among the many issues discussed, PM Harris also highlighted the broad issue of security. He spoke of his concerns for a growing gang culture, which is inconsistent with and alien to St. Kitts-Nevis. The Prime Minister encouraged the UK Government to consider lending expert assistance to tackle the troubling incidence of homicides among young men. This suggestion was positively received by the Minister.
During the visits, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the Federation’s Attorney General, the Honourable Vincent Byron and High Commissioner Kevin M. Isaac.