Why Gurdip Dev Bath remains important for St Kitts and Nevis and other CARICOM nations

Gurdip Dev Bath, a special representative of St Kitts and Nevis is well known in the Caribbean for turning around the fortunes of the Federation

Gurdip Bath with Dr Denzil Douglas in 2013, Dr Timothy Harris in 2020, Dr Terrance Drew in 2022
Gurdip Bath with Dr Denzil Douglas in 2013, Dr Timothy Harris in 2020, Dr Terrance Drew in 2022

Caribbean: Gurdip Dev Bath, a special representative of St Kitts and Nevis is well known in the Caribbean for turning around the fortunes of the Federation in terms of international relations in the recent past as St Kitts and Nevis and CARICOM were among the countries in the world to receive COVID-19 vaccinations even before Canada and Europe. 

He was initially appointed as the special representative with a responsibility to bring foreign direct investment into the country in 2013 by then Prime Minister Dr Denzil L. Douglas. Later recognising his capabilities, the new Team Unity government led by then Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris in 2015 retained his position as his role was well praised by many intellectuals for assisting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain 15 additional visa-free agreements with different countries around the world. 

From briefly assisting the charioteer of Foreign Affairs since his inclusion in the government in 2013, Bath has assisted the country in achieving long-running goals. Due to his strong diplomatic relations with the Indian Government, he managed to get a donation of over 175,000 jabs of COVID-19 vaccines from the Government of India for not only St Kitts and Nevis but also for other sister islands, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Suriname etc. by cutting the queue of 92 other countries which were seeking vaccines including Europe and Canada. 

 

According to Abdias Samuel, Chairperson of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Eyeing economic conditions of the government, Gurdip Bath played an instrumental role in coordinating the procurement, packaging, shipping and clearing of 40ft dry food containers to assist the national response to COVID-19 pandemic in October 2021. The dry food containers were donated by Pacious Pte Ltd through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which included: food items included pasta, rice, canned baked beans, canned tuna, mayonnaise, cereal, macaroni and cheese, among other essential products. The donation made the government of St Kitts and Nevis well equipped to help thousands of vulnerable people who suffered losses due to COVID-19 lockdowns. 

Abdias Samuel (R) Shows Donated Food Items To Then Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris
Abdias Samuel (R) Shows Donated Food Items To Then Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris

Bath is no stranger to giving as he continuously provided cheers on the faces of people in St Kitts and Nevis. Quick after procuring dry food containers in October, Bath, along with his associates, donated turkeys and hams through his benevolent gesture for citizens to celebrate Christmas, which were distributed to thousands of persons in St Kitts and Nevis by NEMA. 

For those of people who know him have said that he inspires everyone he meets and is among the most compassionate people in the country with a generous spirit and warm belong measure. His role in the government or providing assistance to the newly elected Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew is unquestionable after looking at his efforts during the testing times. Undoubtedly, many Caribbean countries are looking for such persons who can primarily assist during unprecedented periods. 

However, he was surrounded by allegations of state kidnapping, which ended up to no conclusions as the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda lambasted accusations during a parliament session that there was no state kidnapping occurred in the country. Moreover, the Dominica government has also clarified that there are no allegations against any individual related to the kidnapping of any Indian fugitive.

There are instances of a handful of individuals who are still racking up this matter due to political pressure or cash rewards. But, a number of citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis have expressed their trust and solidarity in Gurdip Bath. A senior citizen, while referring to the efforts of Bath, said: “It is not always about relations, sometimes is about the potential of an official.”

He further said, “There is a nonsense rumour being spread that Bath’s appointment was not announced. I would like to ask that gossiper, have you ever heard that new government announcing every person’s name working for the government? No! Because it is the government which changed, not the people or officials. No government would announce who is the medical superintendent or commissioner of police, they will remain at their post until or unless transferred.”