Post a comment

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 30^TH 2012 (CUOPM) – The 80^th Anniversary of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party and the second anniversary of the consecutive fourth term in office of the governing St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party is a “double celebration, representing a big wave of achievement in impacting and improving the lives and fortunes of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis over eight decades.”

“It started with a planter, Thomas Manchester who sacrificed his life of ease and riches, to join with some other stalwarts to form the Workers’ League (the St. Kits-Nevis Labour Party). The organisation was formed as a limited company, for in those days, political or Trade Union formation was just not allowed,” said the Labour Spokesman in its editorial for last weekend.

The editorial noted:

“The Workers’ League committed to campaign against the wretched conditions under which sugar workers worked and lived. These conditions were characterised by poor education, poor housing, poor health, poor wages, poor representation and poor organisation.

The spontaneous riots of 1935 were a direct result of all of these ills which were affecting the people of the entire region. The role of the Workers League was one of mediation and assisting those workers who became victims of the disturbances with legal and medical expenses.

The League master minded a fundraising effort to purchase an ambulance and donated it to the hospital so that persons could be taken to hospital in a safer and more dignified manner.

The progress made through the years in terms of health is a direct outcome of the agitation and implementation of the Workers League and latterly, the Labour Party when they had the power to effect changes.”

The editorial continued that it is against this background that the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party is involved in a double celebration at this time, proud of the part it has played in improving the working condition and lives of the people and providing hope of a brighter tomorrow.

“We note with interest that in recent times not many governments survive after a second or even a first term of office as witnessed recently in the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia and Jamaica and those which have continuously exercised authority for thirty and forty years are being ended by revolutionary protests as their prolonged exercise of power have developed repressive and dictatorial overtones,” the Labour Spokesman said.

It noted that the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Government has however, continued to serve the people by responding in a positive way to the challenges which confront the country and by seeking to maintain and improve the quality of life of the people, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalised such as the aged and the very young, and those with disabilities.

“It has done so in an environment where freedom of speech is respected and the media - both radio and newspapers - are able to operate uncensored and unrestricted, whether they support the Labour Government or not.

The Right Honourable Prime Minister has been able to set his sights on the imperatives of unproved fiscal stability, accelerated economic growth and enhanced social well being as the New Year 2012 unfolds.

With these targets in mind, employment generation, improved income and greater food security are expected to be the outcomes from a greater focus on Tourism and Agriculture, since sugar production is now a matter of history.

The whole agricultural landscape is being challenged to explore new technologies in areas such as greenhouse development, aquaculture or hydroponics, animal husbandry and modern fishing techniques,” said the editorial.

The Labour Spokesman said that the prospect for tourism seem assured with increased cruise ship arrivals in 2011 in addition to the list of ships calling in 2012, while airlift is on the rise gateways open to other cities in North America.

It said that every opportunity is being sought to showcase St. Kitts and Nevis as the place to visit or to be, to enjoy the warm hospitality of a loving people, dedicated to peace and prosperity and the lush vegetation and rich scenery bestowed by Mother Nature.

“A keen awareness of environmental concerns has prompted the Labour Government to focus more on alternative energy sources such as geothermal, solar, wind and other renewable forms, reducing our dependence on the expensive fossil fuel, coal and oil to supply electricity.

This thrust becomes more critical as the tourism plant expands, producing more hotels, condominiums and guest houses, while the housing stock of the population increases with wider use of modern conveniences, all power driven, to accommodate increased visitor arrivals, improved standard of living and more sophisticated life styles,” said the editorial.

The paper continued: “Yes, eighty years of service to the ordinary people of the land has seen the transition from trash houses to wholesome weather resistant, comfortable, affordable homes for the majority of the population and this thrust continues into the fourth term of the trust which the Labour Party enjoys from the people of the country.”

“Eighty years of activism and dedication to the liberation of a people from the grip of poverty and deprivation has resulted in better health and health facilities, noting the massive increase in life expectancy over the period and better education and personal development opportunities giving every child the opportunity to aspire to tertiary education and training,” said the paper.

The paper stated: “Labour can indeed be proud of its record. Its achievements have been secured against stiff opposition, through free and fair elections and through the charismatic leadership of the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw our First National Hero, the sterling leaderships of the Right Excellent Sir C. A. Paul Southwell, and Sir Lee Llewellyn Moore; and our current dynamic, visionary and beloved leader, the Right Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Llewellyn Douglas.”

“We congratulate these stalwarts. We salute the founders of the Labour Party and the Labour Union and those who have laboured steadfastly to improve and secure the quality of life which we all deserve as decent human beings. We continue to repose our full confidence in the leadership of Dr. Douglas and his Government as we seek to secure a place for our country in the regional and global arena,” the Labour Spokesman editorial concluded.

For more information visit the Communication's Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister Website at www.cuopm.org or www.cuopm.com  or contact

Erasmus Williams

Press Secretary to the Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister

Government Headquarters

Church Street

Basseterre

St. Kitts

TeL: 869-465-9698

Fax: 869-466-9997

Cell: 869-665-8422

Email: sknpmpresssec@hotmail.com

           erasmuswilliams2000@yahoo.co.uk

This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNList.com. SKNList.com does not  correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNList.com, its sponsors or advertisers.

Copyright © 1994-2012 SKNList.com      All Rights Reserved    Cayon, St.Kitts-Nevis        Terms of use