Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis – Dr Terrance Drew, delivered his remarks during the flag-raising and opening ceremony of the 73rd meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) on Sunday, June 18, 2023, (yesterday).
The Prime Minister also assumed the chairmanship of the OECS authority during the event in the presence of his fellow ministers of the neighbour Caribbean nations.
According to recent information, the opening ceremony was held and followed by the flag-raising ceremony at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium yesterday, June 18. On his part, Prime Minister Terrance Drew has taken to his official social media handle to express his pride and honour on the occasion of taking up the chairmanship of the OECS.
In this regard, he wrote in his Facebook account caption that “Opening ceremony of the 73rd meeting of the OECS Authority held earlier this evening at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Sir Cecil Jacobs auditorium, where I was officially announced as the new Chairman of the OECS.” Furthermore, in his opening remarks, PM Drew extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the attendees and his accompanying ministers of the Caribbean countries.
He extended his remarks, acknowledged the people of St Kitts and Nevis, and expressed immense gratitude for their blessings and support. PM Drew also appreciated the dance groups and other performers for their beautiful performances as they demonstrated the talent of St Kitts and Nevis. Meanwhile, it was also stated that he recognized the presence of the Heads of Government and the Heads of delegation of the OECS member states.
In his speech, the Prime Minister of the Twin Island Federation also mentioned the Governor General of St Kitts and Nevis, Dame Marcella Liburd, along with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Eastern Caribbean and Deputy Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Geoffrey Hanley; Attorney General Garth Wilkins; Minister of Tourism, Marsha Henderson; Minister of Public Works, Konris Maynard; along with the members of Nevis Island Assembly.
Furthermore, while expressing his gratefulness, he also stated that “Allow me to recognize our national hero – Sir Kennedy Simons, who was the founding member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), as the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, I want to you to stand again and take a vow.” Prime Minister also mentioned the efforts and hard work done by the former Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Denzil Douglas, said reports.
Additionally, in this context, Prime Minister stated that he is honoured to assume the OECS’s chairmanship and that he is ready to take up the position when called upon and lead the authority with grace and pride. PM Drew also outlined that the support of their fellow leaders has been exceptional and thanked them for their assistance. “To lead when called upon, I stand here tonight ready to be the chairman of the OECS,” he added.
In the end, he also addressed the significance of moving towards the goal of sustainable growth and development of the sub-region of the OECS. “The work of development is never done; it is an enduring commitment of a nation, generations and leaders who are trusted with the leadership,” Prime Minister stated.
“We are proud members of the OECS; each leader brings a vision to address a common cause and practical ways of dealing with them,” noted the Prime Minister. It was also said that he ensured the attendees and the leaders of the OECS regarding moving forward on a progressive path together and achieving success in his tenure as the Chairman of the OECS.
