Talks held on Nevis secession bid

Friday, January 30, 2004

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts: Nearly 100 persons representing the Federal Government, the Nevis Island Administration, unions, political parties and the social and economic partners were due to meet Thursday to discuss the future relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis.

The meeting follows discussions late last year between St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, Premier of Nevis, Mr Vance Amory and the Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament, Mr Malcolm Guishard.

Prime Minister Douglas and Premier Amory are expected to give remarks during the opening session.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Assembly, Mr Malcolm Guishard of the Concerned Citizens Movement; Chairman of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, Dr. Timothy Harris; Leader of the Nevis Reformation Party, Mr Joseph Parry and Political Leader of the People's Action Movement, Mr. Lindsay Grant have been invited to attend, along with representatives of several local organisations.

In his New Year's message, Prime Minister Douglas said his Government remains committed to the view that constitutional reform provides a vehicle for addressing the concerns of the people of the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, a vehicle for avoiding the huge social and economic cost that could result from the splintering of our beloved Federation. 

He said while secession is a constitutional right of the people of Nevis that must be respected, it is not the only option available to them.

"Whatever the outcome of the roundtable and the constitutional processes, I am determined that the gains we have made over the years as a united and unified people will not be reversed, and furthermore that our very positive rating, economically and otherwise, will be maintained," said Prime Minister Douglas. 

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