St. Kitts – Nevis PM – Dr. Denzil Douglas
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
May 22, 2012 (CUOPM)
The governing St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has remained true to its philosophical foundation by demonstrating compassion, acting in accordance with its strong social conscience, and by remaining in the vanguard of the fight against poverty; of the fight against injustice and unfairness of every form; the fight to empower its people by the creation of employment, entrepreneurial and wealth creation opportunities and has won election after election.
So says the Party’s National Political Leader, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, who is also the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Comrades and Friends, this proud party continues to carry our great country forward and to deliver on our commitments and make sure there are progresses and not promises to our people,” said Prime Minister Douglas during the Party’s 80th Annual Conference at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino.
He reminded the over 600 delegates and invited guests at the public session of the committment made in February 2010 at the Swearing In of his Fourth-Term Cabinet that the National Debt was a matter of priority.
“We studied the issue of National Debt very carefully and thoroughly, paying particular attention to the risk it presented in view of the Great Recession that had plagued the global economy from 2008 and onwards. We came to the conclusion that with the National Debt approaching 200% of GDP and with the global economy in turmoil, there was no easy way to avoid a crisis, especially because of the impact of the contagion that seemed to be spreading to capital markets all over the globe. We therefore, decided to restructure our debt and implement a home-grown economic programme, with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
“Just about mid-way through our current term in office, we have reached agreement with our creditors, and our debt has been reduced dramatically. Indeed, we are confident within a relatively short period, we will be able to announce that the National Debt is below 100% of GDP. In other words, in a period when debt is increasing dramatically across the globe, we have been able to go against the trend and to bring down our debt substantially,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
He expressed gratitude to the creditors who demonstrated such goodwill and understanding in the negotiations and placed on the record of Conference profound appreciation to the Financial Secretary and Staff of the Ministry of Finance and the Debt Advisers for their hard work and tireless effort in carry forward the programme of debt reduction.
On the matter of crime, Prime Minister Douglas said although it is too early to claim complete success, the aim must be the total and complete eradication of violent crimes.
“We mourn the loss of every citizen that succumbs to violence and criminal activity. But we must certainly give thanks for the great progress that we have made in taking control our streets, reducing crime, and bringing criminals to justice. Our Security Forces, under the outstanding leadership of Commissioner Walwyn, must be applauded for their excellent work in protecting our communities,” said Dr. Douglas.