The Drifters perform at the Prime Minister's
New Year's Gala

Patrons of the gala
Photos by Erasmus Williams

BASSETERRE, St Kitts: St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas, says the transformation of the Federation’s economy will only be successful if it has the support of all the people.

He told over 500 guests at the Sixth Annual Prime Minister’s New Year’s Gala at the Grand Ballroom of the St Kitts Marriott Resort that 2006 has been a year of challenge.

“We would need all the support of our friends at home and abroad to navigate the challenges that we will face in this year,” said Douglas, who noted that it was just 18 months ago that the Government of St Kitts and Nevis “took the bold decision to transform the national economy and thus transform St Kitts and Nevis into a modern state, mainly having its economy led by services – hospitality and tourism services.”

Douglas noted that the transformation can only be successfully implemented if “we have the full support of our people.”

Douglas thanked the diplomatic and consular community, the captains of industry and commerce of the business community, the public servants and every citizen who has partnered with the Government in trying to navigate the difficulties of the last year and put us on a very sound footing for this new year.”

Douglas commended the young people, especially those who attended the New Year’s Gala.

“So I ask each of you to join me in a toast to the continued success and continued transformation of St Kitts and Nevis as we move through 2007 very boldly, very confidently into the years ahead,” said Douglas.

Raising a toast to the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis was the Premier of Nevis, Joseph Parry.

“It is indeed an honour for me tonight to stand here at the beginning of this new year, 2007, to raise a toast on behalf of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis. It is then my distinguish pleasure on behalf of my wife and family, on behalf of the Cabinet of the Nevis Island Government, especially on behalf of the people of Nevis to raise a toast to the people of St Kitts and Nevis,” said Premier Parry.

Among the over 500 guests were Governor General Sir Cuthbert Sebastian; Federal Ministers of Finance and their wives; Ministers of the Nevis Island Administration and their wives; Justice Frances Belle and Mrs Belle; Ambassadors and Consulars, local residents, visiting nationals as well as businessmen and women.

Guests of honour were Harry Belafonte and the Drifters.