Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris attended the National Day celebrations of St Kitts and Nevis at the Dubai Expo 2020 on Tuesday. During the ceremony, he commended the support that the people and government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showed in facilitating St. Kitts and Nevis’ participation in EXPO 2020.
PM Harris led a high-level delegation from St Kitts and Nevis, including Eugene Hamilton- Minister of Social Development and Gender Affairs, Ambassador Ian MacDonald Liburd- the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Gurdip Dev Bath- Special Representative of St Kitts and Nevis.
While expressing his gratitude to the Government of the UAE, PM Harris said that the high pace of development by UAE is an inspiration for the several small developing states. PM added that St Kitts and Nevis share long-standing friendly ties with UAE, and the country is working towards strengthening the bilateral relationship, advancing their common interests, and facilitating collaboration.
PM Harris referred to EXPO 2020 as a “powerful symbol and a catalyst for bringing our peoples together”. He highlighted the move by the Government of UAE on bringing all people from different nations and with different cultures on one platform where people share their views and showcase their innovations to tackle the common problems.
Prime Minister emphasized that UAE provided a platform to showcase the varied and yet similar cultural expressions. He said people could express their views on a common cause and create opportunities for having a more connected partnership at Expo 2020.
PM Harris stated, “St. Kitts and Nevis is working towards becoming a sustainable and eco-friendly tourism destination; hence our strategic focus, during EXPO2020, on sustainability. We are a small nation with big ambitions. We are resolved to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels by reorienting our policies, investments, and legislative focus on wind, solar and geothermal energy. Currently, we are developing one of the largest solar farms in the Caribbean, and we welcome partnership in these endeavours.”
PM Harris noted that the UAE government is partnering with several Small Island Developing States like St Kitts and Nevis, which further provide them with the opportunities to showcase their innovations, plans, cultural heritage, technological advancement and opportunities for development and investment in key sectors on a global stage.
The celebrations of the National Day of the Caribbean nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis started with a flag raising ceremony – attended by Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Dr. The Honourable Timothy Harris (1/2) pic.twitter.com/UnCtj6uYQj
— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) November 16, 2021
Furthermore, he stated that the Women’s Pavilion is an eminent model and throws important light on issues that are affecting women across the globe. Additionally, these models also seek to offer a solution for confronting many of the problems. PM Harris said, “We will support and partner with the UAE to achieve these goals.”
While speaking on sustainable development, PM Harris said, “As a nation, and as a matter of priority, we are committed to the Sustainable Development Goals. Goal number seventeen speaks to partnership and the importance of developing partnerships to achieve sustainable development as embodied in the United Nations Agenda 2030. We look forward not only to deepening existing partnerships but also to establishing new ones. We believe that the Dubai EXPO2020 is the ideal space and catalyst.”
He also talked about St Kitts and Nevis’ bilateral ties with other countries. PM said St Kitts and Nevis has a long-standing bilateral and friendly relations with Taiwan for the past 38 years. Taiwan is extending their assistance in various sectors, including environmental conservation, renewable energy, agriculture and food security, public health, education and technology and many more.
PM Harris thanked the people and the Government of Taiwan for their assistance and partnership with St Kitts and Nevis, which further took the federation ahead on the path towards the goal of sustainable development.
Prime Minister said St Kitts and Nevis reopened for business due to the efforts of the National Tas Force on COVID-19 and assistance from several countries like India, the US and many member states of CARICOM for mitigating the widespread of COVID-19 virus on the island.
PM Harris said, “We are now open and ready to continue to fulfil our commitment to diversify our economy across multiple sectors such as agriculture, technology, trade, creative arts, and tourism. Our eco-friendly tourism sector is one that allows you to enjoy nature, our superb hospitality, and an authentic twin-island paradise experience.”
PM Harris also highlighted the internationally renowned luxury brands in the country, including the Four Seasons Resort Nevis, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, and Belmont Farm, a one-of-a-kind farm-to-table concept hotel.
While speaking on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on lives, PM Harris said that the pandemic told the world the importance of life and preparation for tackling such outbreaks. He said nations like the United Arab Emirates has been providing a safe environment to the people and the authorities from different countries to work and operate at Expo 2020
PM Harris concluded, “You have done a remarkable job in putting procedures and policies in place to protect everyone at Expo 2020. Thank you, Your Excellency [Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan] for this visionary leadership and thanks also to Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi [Minister of State and International Cooperation] for helping to translate that vision into reality.”
