Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698831648170.pdf (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
Diplomatic Week 2016 1 A view of Basseterre, the capitol of St. Kitts Ferry Terminal, Charlestown, Nevis Diplomatic Week 2016 2 Table of Contents 4-5 MESSAGES 4 Dr.

The Honourable Timothy S. Harris 5 Honourable Mark A. G. Brantley 6-7 PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES 8-17 BIOGRAPHIES 09 Honourable Mark A. G. Brantley 10 Kaye M. Bass 11 POEM Sustainability 12-17 HEADS OF MISSIONS: BIOGRAPHIES 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 Everson W. Hull Ph.D. Dr. Thelma Phillip-Browne Justin Hawley Jasmine E. Huggins Esq.
Verna Morris Kevin M. Isaac Sam T. Condor John L. Allen Shirley Skerritt-Andrew Cedric L. Harper 18-47 ARTICLES 18 A Rationale for Diplomatic Week Relations between States continue to evolve at an alarmingly rapid rate.
BY KAYE BASS 20 Using Multi-stakeholder Partnership as a Potent Mechanism for Achieving Sustainable Development Forging New Partnerships and Strengthening Networks for Sustainable Growth and Economic Development In 2008, the repercussions of the global economic downturn had begun to affect countries large and small with many taking drastic measures to stem growing unemployment and shrinking revenues.
BY H. E. JASMINE ELISE HUGGINS 23 25 Reimagining the SKN-UK Relationship for a New Era 29 Strengthening Ties at Home and Abroad 31 Canada Is Back: A New Phenomenon in Canada Politics 34 Inter-mestic Obligations 36 Every Citizen is an Ambassador 38 Answering the Call for More Information 40 A New Approach for Engagement with the Pacific Our twin-island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is honoured to be one of the 192 Member States of the United Nations, which promotes international cooperation.
FROM THE PERMANENT MISSION OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS TO THE UNITED NATIONS 43 Fostering New Relationship with Bermuda 45 Mutual Opportunities Abound - Reaching Africa 47 St. Kitts and Nevis in The United Arab Emirates 49 LIST OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS HONORARY CONSULS Diplomatic Week 2016 3 Message from Dr.
The Honourable Timothy S. Harris Prime Minister, St. Kitts and Nevis “We look forward to engaging with all stakeholders, local and overseas, as we discuss not only the challenges we face, but also the opportunities for forging new ties and strengthening existing ones.

” It is a distinct honour for me to welcome you to our twin-island Paradise!

The hosting of Diplomatic Week 2016 is indeed special: the first since our Team Unity government ascended to high office little over one year ago!
The theme for this year’s thrust “Forging New Partnerships and Strengthening Networks for Sustainable Growth and Economic Development” is a true reflection of our government’s foreign policy stance.

Diplomatic Week affords us the opportunity to engage our development partners and representatives in a manner which engenders a greater level of understanding among our distinct cultures, perspectives on development issues, and strengthen our collective resolve to solve those problems.
Diplomatic Week 2016 is special for yet another reason.

We have transcended the era of the Millennium Development Goals, into the 2030 Development Agenda.

St. Kitts and Nevis is proud to proclaim that we have met and surpassed most of the indicators identified in the MDGs when the curtains were drawn last year.
We look forward to engaging with all stakeholders, local and overseas, as we discuss not only the challenges we face, but also the opportunities for forging new ties and strengthening existing ones.

We are particularly keen on discussing technical assistance and capacity building initiatives to enable us to meet the goals and targets outlined in the 2030 Development Agenda.

Climate Change for small island developing states like St. Kitts and Nevis presents a special challenge, which demands our focus.
On the heel of the recently concluded Paris Summit, I would wish to reiterate the call for collective action to mitigate and reverse current trends.

I am pleased to note the inclusion of a panel discussion later this week which will cover this pertinent topic.

I encourage you to capitalize on the numerous opportunities for positive engagement.

This can only augur well for mutual understanding, cooperation and peace.

Welcome to St. Kitts and Nevis!

Dr.


The Honourable Timothy S. Harris Prime Minister Diplomatic Week 2016 4 Message from Honourable Mark A. G. Brantley Minister of Foreign Affairs “Diplomatic week offers sector interface and site visits.

I encourage all participants to work towards strengthening existing partnerships and building new ones where they do not already exist.
us the opportunity to maximise our engagement with our development partners and discuss matters of national, regional and international importance.

” I welcome this opportunity to extend warm greetings to all participants of Diplomatic Week 2016.

This event is truly special to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by extension, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Diplomatic week offers us the opportunity to maximise our engagement with our development partners and discuss matters of national, regional and global importance.

This level of interaction will undoubtedly increase our diplomatic foot print, and highlight our ability to punch above our weight in’ this highly competitive field of International Relations.
“ForgingNewPartnershipsand Strengthening Networks for Sustainable Growth and Economic Development” is indeed an appropriate area of focus for this week’s event.

The activities provide a delicate balance of bilateral engagement, panel discussion, capacity building, private St. Kitts and Nevis, like all other Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face peculiar challenges.

These challenges are economic, social and environmental in nature.
We must take advantage of every opportunity to sensitize the international community to these vulnerabilities, some of which threaten our very existence, with the hope of overcoming them and advancing our thrust to achieving sustainable development.

Being a twin-island Federation, St. Kitts and Nevis offers you a chance to take two bites at the proverbial cherry!

Both islands provide an enabling environment for investment; both offer an excellent tourism product.
While enjoying our natural beauty, I encourage you to learn as much as you can about our Federation, and pay us another visit in the not too distant future.

We are truly two islands, one paradise!


Honourable Mark A. G. Brantley Minister of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Week 2016 5 Sunday, April 2016 03 9:00 am • Church Service Immanuel Methodist Church, Sandy Point 12:00 pm • Lunch Monday, April 2016 04 9:00 am • Roundtable Engagement with Youth in St Kitts Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) 12:30 pm • Lunch hosted by the Hon.
Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm • Interface with the Media (St Kitts and Nevis Heads of Mission Only) 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm • Interface with the Federal Cabinet) (Visiting Heads of Mission Only) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm • Governor General’s Reception Government House, Springfield Tuesday, April 2016 05 8:00 am - 4:00 pm • Exhibition of Local Products at the Lobby of Marriott Ball Room 9:00 am - 10:00 am • Opening Ceremony Addresses by Dr.

The Hon.
The Hon.

Timothy Harris, Prime Minister and the Hon.

Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs 10:00 - 10:30 am • Refreshment Break 10:05 am - 10:20 am • Official Photo 10:45 am - 12:30 pm • Presentations by Ministries 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm • Lunch hosted by Dr.

The Hon.
Timothy Harris, Prime Minister 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm • Continuation of Presentations by Ministries 4:00 pm - 4:10 pm • Closing exercises 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm • Symposium - Marriott Ball RoomDiplomatic Week 2016 6 Wednesday, April 2016 06 9:00 am • Departure for Nevis 9:30 am - 11:30 am (Simultaneous activities) • Roundtable Engagement with Youth in Nevis, Nevis Sixth Form College • Interface with the Nevis Island Administration 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm • Lunch sponsored by the Nevis Island Administration 2:30 pm • Tour of Nevis Development projects, tourist/historic/cultural sites 5:30 pm • Social at Sunshine’s in Nevis 7:30 pm • Departure from Nevis Thursday, April 2016 07 8:00 am • Working Breakfast hosted by St. Kitts & Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce St. Kitts 9:30 am • Tour-Development projects, tourist/historic /cultural sites on St. Kitts 12:30 pm • Lunch – Brimstone Hill • Continuation of tour of development projects, tourist/historic/cultural sites on St. Kitts 5:00 pm • Tour and Dinner at St. Kitts Eco Park Friday, April 2016 08 (For Staff at Capital and SKN Heads of Missions and SKN Honorary Consuls ONLY) Venue: Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI) 9:00 am • Capacity Building Exercise hosted by Diplo Foundation 1:00 pm • Lunch 2:30 pm • Reporting 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm • Debriefing Diplomatic Week 2016 7 graphies Diplomatic Week 2016 8 MARK A. G. BRANTLEY In 2013 Hon.
Mark Brantley was lauded as someone with the caliber and experience to help lead the island of Nevis at a critical point in its development when renewed leadership was necessary for the successful implementation of strategies to take advantage of market opportunities ahead.

Hon.

Brantley is a lawyer by profession.

He received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies – Cave Hill Campus in 1992 and his Legal Education Certificate from Norman Manley Law School in 1994.
He was awarded the Certificate of Merit from the Norman Manley Law School, only the 4th such award in the then history of the law school, and graduated First in Class.

He also holds a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford (1995).

Having been called to the St. Kitts-Nevis Bar in 1994, he has practiced extensively before the High Courts and Court of Appeal.

He is also a member of the Bar in Anguilla (1996), Grenada (2009), Antigua & Barbuda (2009) and Dominica (2010).
He has taken a leave of absence from the practice and his law firm – Daniel, Brantley & Associates – to pursue his political career.

Hon.

Brantley entered politics in 2006 as a senator in the Nevis Island Assembly for the opposition, the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM).

In 2007 he was elected to the Federal House of Assembly and became the Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.

He was again elected as Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Assembly after the 2010 Federal Election.
In 2013 he was elected and became a part of the CCM led Nevis Island Administration (NIA).

He was named Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Health, Gender, Social Affairs, Social Development, Youth, Sports, Culture, Community Development and Information.

Following the 2015 Federal Election Hon.

Brantley again won his seat in the Federal Parliament and assumed the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation and Senior Diplomat.
He has also been working along with the Minister responsible for Communications, Works and Public Utilities in the NIA to ensure the delivery of Geothermal Energy to the island of Nevis.

Hon.

Brantley is married and has two daughters.

Diplomatic Week 2016 9 KAYE M. BASS Kaye Bass began her diplomatic career as a Foreign Service Officer in 2002, after having spent over 10 years in the field of Education (at home and overseas) as a Spanish teacher.
As a result of her initiative, professionalism and competence she was soon promoted to Senior Foreign Service Officer and became the first Director of Foreign Affairs in 2012.

She was appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2015.
In her current role as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, besides her proficiency in the Spanish language, additional strengths come to the fore, including her ability to motivate staff, to organize and to develop a good rapport with people with varied experiences and from diverse cultural backgrounds.
In addition to a Master’s Degree in Spanish and Second Language Pedagogy (Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia) and a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Diplomacy and Information Technology from the University of Malta, Ms. Bass also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and Secondary Education from the University of the Virgin Islands (St Thomas Campus) where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and attained the highest GPA in the Humanities Division as well as amongst females of the entire University.
Ms Bass was also one of the first graduates of the Summer Institute for Future Global Leaders in the Caribbean (now Global Institute for Leadership and Management Development - GILMD).

She has also earned certificates and diplomas in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Romero Institute, Mexico, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan and a Diploma in Trade Policy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Canberra, Australia.
Ms. Bass has spearheaded multiple projects in which the Ministry has engaged over the years including the compilation of the National Report on the promotion and protection of human rights for the first and second cycles of the United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and their presentation in Geneva, Switzerland.
She was also instrumental in the successful execution of past Diplomatic Weeks, Honorary Consuls Retreat, and international and regional conferences (OAS, CARICOM, CDB, OECS) hosted in St Kitts and Nevis.

She also managed the development of the Ministry’s first website including the country’s Treaty Index.

For leisure, Ms. Bass enjoys the culinary arts and the outdoors (gardening and walking).

Diplomatic Week 2016 10 Sustainability Threats!


Lack of food security, over-fishing, fragile ecosystem, Loss of bio-diversity, soil erosion, coastal squeeze, limit of land capacity, Green house gases, organic pollutants, global warming, Climate change, challenging islands of the sea.

Headwinds!
Headwinds!

Money laundering, tax haven listing, correspondent banks losing, Lack of transparency, FINCEN Advisory, guns, violence, drug trade, Terrorists, illicit actors, ISIL, (DA’ESH), AML, CFT, CBI Screening Efficiency, Criminality, challenging islands of the sea.

Opportunities!
Opportunities!

“Reduce, reuse, recycle waste.” Save paper rescue forests, Minimize pesticides, cut chemical additives, practice food security, Out with plastics, in with wind mills, geothermal and green energy, Building resilience in islands of the sea.

Tailwinds!

Good governance.


Transparency, judicial reforms, fairness, equality, Eschew violence, build esteem, embrace benefits of technology, Public or private partnership, diaspora bonds and circles, working in harmony, Partnerships to sustain islands of the sea.

Global Village!
Global Village!

Interconnected, chain, inspirational, identical links, self-containment, Fellowship, common goals, aspirations, unified agenda, VILLAGE, Inter-dependent, integrity, networks enhancing the COMMUNITY, Forging partnerships for sustainability in islands of the sea.

Creator Admonition!
Creator Admonition!

“Love Thy Neighbour As Thyself.” “If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments.” By Dr. Thelma Phillip-Browne Diplomatic Week 2016 11 Heads of Missions: Biographies DR. EVERSON W. HULL Ph.D Dr. Everson Hull is a business economist and currently serves as Permanent Representative for St.Kitts and Nevis to the 35-member Organization of American States (OAS).

He graduated from Howard University in 1977,becomingthefirst-everrecipientoftheUniversity’s Ph.D. award in Economics.
For more than 20 years, he served as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Economics.

In the School of Business, Professor Hull earned the distinction of MBA “Professor of the Year” for four of the five years of his full-time tenure.

In the private sector, he has served as Senior Economist for the American Petroleum Institute, TRW Inc. and Fannie Mae.

Dr.

Hull also served at the Congressional Research Service as Head of Money and Banking.
This latter tour of duty led to a U.S. Presidential Appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Research at the U.S. Department of Labor.

Dr.

Hull has allocated a significant portion of his time to providing financial and economic consulting services on a wide range of issues.
These include: econometric modeling of the determinants of yield spreads between jumbo and conforming loans; developing estimates of the potential effects of the Basel Accord on the capital adequacy of U.S. commercial banks and using econometric models to simulate the effects of monetary policy on the U.S. economy.

Dodd-Frank financial legislation.


He has also served as the oversight regulator’s chief liaison on matters related to the Executive Compensation of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks.

He has been called on to prepare written analyses and opinions on recommended incentive-based salaries, bonuses and stock option awards for new executive hires.
In his current assignment at the OAS, Ambassador Hull has been appointed to serve as the Principal Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the Inter- American Drug Abuse Control Commission as well as Assistant National Coordinator for the Summit of the Americas Process.
He is fully engaged with his peers: in the development of a vigorous CARICOM response to the “black-listing” of our low-tax jurisdictions, in the exploration of new business opportunities in the rapidly growing Central and South American countries, and in reconciling border disputes between OAS member states.

His extensive research includes over 60 publications and technical reports as well as regular contributions to the local newspapers.

Born in Nevis, Dr.
Born in Nevis, Dr.

Hull graduated from the Charlestown Secondary School; taught at the Combermere Primary School and represented the Island of Nevis at cricket and football.

At the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Dr.

Hull has served as Member of the Federal Joint Interagency Task Force implementing the sweeping provisions of the Dr.

Hull has three children -- Lovell, Randy and Cecelia.

He is married to Dr. Sandra D. Cooke-Hull.


Diplomatic Week 2016 12 DR. THELMA PHILLIP-BROWNE One of eight siblings, Thelma Phillip-Browne was born in Newtown, Basseterre St. Kitts.

Following secondary education at the Girls High School and Basseterre High School, in 1978 she graduated with a medical degree from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, Jamaica.
Dr. Phillip-Browne received training in Public Health at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine and is also a graduate from the Cardiff University School of Medicine in Wales, with a Diploma in Dermatological Science.

In 2011, Ambassador Phillip-Browne obtained a Master of Theological Science (MTS) degree from Anderson University in Indiana.

She has served as a lay preacher and active member of the Women of the Church of God as well as being a partner of Child Evangelism Fellowship (C.E.F.
), St. Kitts and Nevis chapter.

Her community involvements also included hosting of a morning devotional program on a local radio station, WINN FM as well as co-hosting a “One Love” spiritually based program on Sugar City Rock radio.

Dr. Phillip-Browne served in various medical positions in St. Kitts as a Civil Servant and in 1995 served as Director of Primary Health Care and later Chief Medical Officer of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
From 1994 until her recent appointment as Ambassador to the United States of America, she also practised dermatology in a private capacity.

Besides being a social and political activist, Dr. Phillip-Browne is also a sports enthusiast.

She represented St. Kitts in netball for many years and was a member of the Caribbean Netball Association’s Championship Team in 1973.

She has also served in various managerial positions on the St Kitts Netball Association.
Dr. Phillip-Browne is the proud mother of two daughters and a son and grandmother of two girls.

JUSTIN HAWLEY Justin Hawley is the St Kitts and Nevis Consul General in Dubai, UAE.

With over 10 years experience in the civil service, Mr Hawley joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2001 as a Foreign Service Officer.

He has held a number of positions within the Federal Government such as Deputy Registrar of Intellectual Property and Trade Policy Officer.
In 2006 he was appointed as a Trade Policy Analyst at the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Technical Mission to the WTO in Geneva where he was involved in negotiations related to the Doha Development Agenda.

Mr. Hawley was also a Research Fellow at the CARICOM Office of Trade Negotiations, formerly the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery where he represented St Kitts and Nevis at numerous trade negotiations.
He recently concluded a 2 year posting as a Counsellor/ Alternate Representative at the Embassy of St Kitts and Nevis to the USA/Permanent Mission to the Organisation of American States (OAS).

One year into his tenure he was appointed Charge d’Affaires/Interim Representative to the OAS where he received the official OAS report on the St Kitts and Nevis elections of 2015.
Mr. Hawley holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Science in International Relations from the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom.

Diplomatic Week 2016 13 JASMINE ELISE HUGGINS ESQ.

H. E. Jasmine Elise Huggins, began her career in the Foreign Service of St. Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis following her graduation from Howard University School of Law in Washington D.C.
In December 2007, Ambassador Huggins was tasked with establishing the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Republic of China (Taiwan) and after two years in her position as Chargé d’affaires, H. E. Jasmine Elise Huggins was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of St. Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
In addition to seeking trade, cultural and other economic benefits for the Federation at her assigned post, Her Excellency inter alia, promotes and strengthens the bilateral relations between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Prior to the posting in Taiwan, Ambassador Huggins served her country in the Embassy and Permanent mission of St. Kitts and Nevis in Washington D.C. As Alternate Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) and part of the CARICOM Alternates group, Ambassador Huggins was often called upon to take the lead in negotiating Inter- American declarations, conventions and resolutions in the Councils and Committees of the OAS.

VERNA MORRIS Verna Morris is currently the Chargé d’affaires a.i.
at the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Havana, Cuba with the substantive post of Counsellor.

This new posting comprises an important personal dimension for Ms. Morris, as Cuba is the country where she successfully completed her undergraduate degree in Philology at the Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba.

Ms. Morris joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Basseterre in 2005 and served as a Foreign Service Officer with responsibility for the Latin American desk.
Ms. Morris has represented St. Kitts and Nevis in many regional and international fora, including OECS, CARICOM, CELAC, OAS and the UN.

She participated in a number of diplomatic exchange programmes in several countries including Taiwan, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Germany.
Her Excellency also facilitated technical cooperation and resource flows from the OAS to projects in the Federation, and successfully Chaired theWorking Group of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development to revise the Manual and Rules of Procedure of the OAS Scholarship and Training Program.

H.E.
H.E.

Ambassador Huggins has professional experience and affiliation with the associations of The United Methodist Lawyers Guild and Maryland State Bar Association and has been a Judge of American University International Law Human Rights Moot Court Competition.

H.E.

Ambassador Huggins has also served as Secretary-General of the Diplomatic Corps in the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Ambassador Huggins is an avid hiker and enjoys reading and engaging in artistic and cultural pursuits.
Before starting her career in the Foreign Service, Ms. Morris worked briefly at the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Ltd., the then St. Christopher Heritage Society and the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board.

She furthered her studies at the Diplomatic School of Spain where she earned a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Relations.

Ms. Morris’interests include public international law, protocol procedures, travel, foreign languages and development cooperation.
Ms. Morris was born in 1978 on the island of St. Kitts to Ms. Alice Morris and Mr. Vernon Gittens.

She was nurtured in the community of Tabernacle where she completed her elementary education.

Soon after, she attended the Cayon High School then later graduated from the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College before moving on to university.
Diplomatic Week 2016 14 DR. KEVIN M. ISAAC His Excellency Kevin M. Isaac is a career diplomat and a graduate of the University of Toulouse-Mirail in France, the University of the West Indies, the University of Birmingham and University of Warwick.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations, a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Statecraft, an LLM in International Economic Law.
In 2012, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Birmingham.

High Commissioner Isaac is also St. Kitts and Nevis Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Governor to the Board of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

High Commissioner Isaac joined the St. Kitts Nevis Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1992.

He has been a substantial resource to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has served broadly as a Foreign Service officer.
Following a period of service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr Kevin M. Isaac served as Deputy Permanent Representative and Charge d’Affaires ad interim for three and a half years at the St. Kitts and Nevis Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York (1995-1999).
He later served as Minister Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission at the St. Kitts Nevis Embassy to the United States of America and as Minister Counsellor/Alternate Representative in the SAM TERRANCE CONDOR Sam Terrance Condor graduated with a Diploma in Development Studies from Ruskin College, Oxford and a BA (Hons) in Economics from the University of Sussex in Brighton.
Appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations in May 2015, he presented his credentials to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on October 27, 2015 and since that time served as Chair of the Caucus of Ambassadors of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in New York as well as of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States (GRULAC).
St. Kitts Nevis Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States both in Washington DC until 2005.

In 2005, Dr Isaac joined the Hemispheric Organization of American States (OAS) where he served as an Advisor in the Cabinet of the Assistant Secretary General.

He was also named Coordinator for Country Offices.


He was responsible for the management and oversight of OAS Country Offices in 28 of the Organization’s 34 Member States and managed a staff of 84 and a budget totalling US$7.65 million at the end of fiscal year 2010.

As of January 2011, High Commissioner Isaac returned to the St. Kitts Nevis Ministry of Foreign Affairs following his appointment as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Dr Kevin M. Isaac is the youngest and first career diplomat of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to be elevated to the rank of High Commissioner/Ambassador.

He was named Diplomat of the Year for North America and the Caribbean in April 2015 at the Diplomat Magazine Annual Award presentation held in London.

High Commissioner Isaac is also a published poet, (Whispers of Silence (1998); Memories in Serenade (2010) and his latest collection, “Breakfast with my Fathers” published in July 2014.
He is married to Prangtip Silpa-Archa Isaac and father of three, Preston, Kaden and Keira.

In addition to serving as Deputy Prime Minister of St.Kitts and Nevis between 1995 and 2013, he was also the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly.
During his eighteen year stint in Government, he held various portfolios: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Labour and Social Security (2011 to 2013), Minister for Foreign Affairs, National Security, Labour, Social Security and Immigration (2010 to 2011); Minister for Education, Youth, Social Development, Community and Gender Affairs (2004 to 2010); Minister for Labour, Social Security, CARICOM Affairs, Telecommunications and Technology (2001 to 2004); Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Trade, CARICOM Affairs, Community and Social Development and Gender Affairs (2000 to 2001); and Minister for CARICOM Affairs, Youth, Sports and Community Affairs (1995 t0 2000).
First elected as a Member of Parliament in 1989 he continued in this capacity in ensuing years following his success at the polls in 1993, 1995, 2000, 2004 and 2010.

Diplomatic Week 2016 15 SHIRLEY SKERRIT T-ANDREW H.E.

Shirley Skerritt-Andrew a national of St. Kitts and Nevis is currently the High Commissioner for St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada, based in Ottawa.

An economist and historian by training she was educated at UWI Cave Hill and Mona, and University College, London.
High Commissioner Skerritt-Andrew has had an extensive career in the public sector in both the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

In addition to serving in her own country she has also worked as an economic planner in Jamaica and in regional and local government in the United Kingdom.
The High Commissioner’s most recent diplomatic posting was to Brussels, 2008-2013, where she served as the Ambassador for four Eastern Caribbean States to Belgium and the European Union and as St. Kitts and Nevis non resident Ambassador to Sweden.

During her JOHN L. ALLEN John L. Allen is the Honorary Consul General for the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis in Canada.
In his role as Consul General, Mr. Allen promotes the interest of the Federation, safeguards its interests and protects the welfare of its nationals in Canada.

Significant to this role, is the promotion of friendly relations between the Federation and Canada, while furthering the development of commercial, economic, cultural, technical and Diaspora relations.
Mr. Allen has represented the Federation at Investment/Trade and Tourism Forums in the Republic of Taiwan, The Federal Republic of Germany, The Federal Republic of Nigeria and Canada.

In 1998, serving in this capacity, Mr. Allen’s and professional experience spans the areas of business/ training development in the retail and banking Sectors, and has served as Policy Assistant – Government of Ontario.
As a result of Executive DevelopmentTraining in the private sector, Mr. Allen held a number of leadership positions.

In addition to his career in Business and Government, Mr. Allen played an active leadership role in community time in Brussels, High Commissioner Skerritt-Andrew served as Chair of the ACP Committee of Ambassadors and as the CARIFORUM chair of the working group that produced the Joint Caribbean-EU Strategy.
High Commissioner Skerritt-Andrew who was formerly the GEF Operational focal point for St. Kitts and Nevis has had a lifelong interest in environmental matters and has devoted considerable time to alternative energy issues, including the ongoing exploration of potential geo-thermal energy development on St. Kitts and Nevis and the development of bio-fuels as a bi-product of sugar cane.
She has identified the environment and specifically climate change as an important area for cooperation with Canada with green growth and green technological development as key areas for future collaborative investment by Canada and the Caribbean region as a whole.
affairs serving with a number of community organizations in various capacities over the past 30 years, these include President, Student Union- York University; Board member, Jane Finch Legal Services Clinic, YMCA, Toronto, Membership director, Toronto Onyx Lions Club.

Mr. Allen also participated in various initiatives in St. Kitts and Nevis, and OECS communities- Director, St. Kitts and Nevis Hurricane Disaster Relief Committee, Chair – OECS Nationals’ Council, Canada.
Mr. Allen is a member of the Consular Corps Association of Toronto, the Caribbean Consular Corps, the Toronto Board of Trade, the National Club, Toronto.

He is also a member of the Royal Commonwealth Society, St. Georges Society of Toronto and former member of Toronto Grace Hospital Foundation Gala Committee.

Mr. Allen is a graduate of York University with a B.Sc.

in Environment and Development Studies (Interdisciplinary Sciences, 1979).
He is the husband of Camille Allen and the father of three children – John Jr. Ryan and Nadia.

He enjoys photography, history, Yoga, and Tai Chi.

Diplomatic Week 2016 16 CEDRIC L. HARPER Cedric Lanyon Harper has led a life of service to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, primarily in the field of Education and Public Service.

This career path has earned him well-deserved recognition –Award of excellence in teaching from H.E.
Sir Kenneth Blackburne, Governor of the Leeward Islands in 1955; St. Kitts & Nevis Independence Honours Award (1988) in recognition of service in the field of Education and Public Service, and Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) conferred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2005 for Service in the field of Education and Public Service.
Cedric Harper’s employment record is expansive and include posts as Assistant Teacher, Headmaster, and Principal in St. Kitts and Nevis 1948-1965; University of the West Indies Representative and Resident Tutor in the Bahamas, 1966; Warden / Lecturer, Senior Lecturer; Senior Warden, and Dean of Students at full Professor status (1967-1995) Mona Campus, UWI; Tutor in Economics and Law at the UWI and part-time in the University of London External Degree programme; Assistant Tutor/Part-time Tutor at the Norman Manley Law School (1983- 2001); Part-time Lecturer at the Justice Training Institute, Jamaica, for 5 years.
Mr Harper retired from UWI in 1995 and practised law fulltime between 1995 and 2000.

Cedric Harper joined the Consular Corps in Jamaica in the capacity of Honorary Consul General of St. Kitts and Nevis from 1983-1999 and Consul General, 1999-2000.

He was appointed as High Commissioner for St. Kitts and Nevis to Jamaica in 2001 to present.

Between 2001 to June 2014, Harper also served as non-resident Ambassador for St. Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of Cuba.

A native of Cayon Mr. Harper holds a B.A.


and LL.B.

from the University of London.

a M.Sc.

(Econ) University of the West Indies (UWI), and a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Norman Manley Law School/Council of Legal Education of the West Indies.

Mr. Harper has served on numerous Committees and Boards at the UWI and off campus, either as member, or chair, and still maintains membership on a few of them.
He was appointed Justice of the Peace (JP), Jamaica, in 1981; elected President of the Lay Magistrates’Association of Jamaica for 3 years and served as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the United Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI) for 3 years.

He has held membership on the Board or Council for almost 40 years and enjoyed same as senior member on the Permanent Salaries Review Board of the Jamaica Public Service and on the Restricted Persons Review Tribunal in Jamaica, 1996-1999.
He was also Consultant to the Foundation for International Self Help (FISH) for many years and has been serving as a Board member since 2001.

He is widowed and has a son and a daughter.

Diplomatic Week 2016 17 A Rationale for Diplomatic Week Kaye M. Bass Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Relations between States continue to evolve at an alarmingly rapid rate.
As Diplomacy assumes an increasing role in shaping the outcome of global affairs, St Kitts” and Nevis aims to proactively pursue pragmatic interaction with the regional, hemispheric and international community, not as a mere reactor, but rather, as a significant agent of change.

Despite our size, we have long been convinced that our people, our land, our location are all enduring and valuable assets which, by any standard, compete successfully worldwide.
St Kitts and Nevis features frequently in major publications as a prime tourist destination, not purely on account of the sea, sunshine and sand, but more importantly - the warm hospitality of our people.

We affirm that our representatives abroad, through their endearing personality, integrity of character, passion, professionalism and sense of purpose, will indeed be harbingers of the high expectations of visitors to our twin- island Federation.
Diplomatic Week 2016 18 To maintain a connection with their homeland and the national agenda of Government, it is imperative that regular rendezvous with our overseas representatives- our “countenance” to the world- be organised to ensure greater cohesion of policies and enhanced synergy of actions.
Primarily, tasked to represent and safeguard our domestic interests to the global community from, and through their respective jurisdictions for the ultimate advantage of the Kittitian and Nevisian citizenry, they are also expected to remain abreast of local occurrences.

Coming home for a “face to face” surpasses, in effectiveness, quality and value, all other forms of interaction, even social media!

So, welcome home, colleagues!


Akin to no other, Diplomatic Week fosters a climate for meaningful interaction not only with fellow St Kitts and Nevis heads of missions, but also with international counterparts scattered throughout the region, honorary consuls, high level officials of government, members of the business and civic community and the Ministry’s staff at Capital.

After an eight year hiatus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to host another Diplomatic Week.
Amongst the myriads of activities envisioned, diplomats and honorary consuls will be afforded a rare opportunity to engage with youth in both St Kitts and Nevis.

This forum promises to heighten awareness about the world of diplomacy, careers to follow, current global issues, and more importantly, contributions the youth can make to effect economic growth, sustainable development and world peace.

Exchanges between our diplomats and young aspirants are too few.
This engagement therefore, will seek to arouse interest in some and affirm ambitions in others, who, may develop into first class representatives of our dear Federation.

In addition, an audience with the Media has been arranged to stimulate consciousness about the work of ambassadors and honorary consuls- its value and challenges.
“ Akin to no other, Diplomatic Week fosters a climate for meaningful interaction not only with fellow St Kitts and Nevis heads of missions, but also with international counterparts scattered throughout the region... ” was among the UN’s 193 Member States, whose leaders adopted the new sustainable development agenda at the September 2015 UN Summit in New York.
It was this concerted effort which provided impetus for the successful negotiations which resulted in a new binding climate change treaty during the Paris Conference late 2015.

We believe that Diplomatic Week 2016 presents a most apposite platform to launch a public discussion about, and stimulate interest in the 2030 encompassing Agenda including climate change..

This can only augur well for increased understanding, universal collaboration and robust action.
We look forward with great anticipation to a healthy dialogue and the capacity building exercise.

We anticipate a constructive exchange of views as we strategize on the course ahead, to improve our craft in forging partnerships and strengthening networks for a yield of untold benefits to our people and Nation.

A key feature of this year’s Diplomatic encounter is the organization of a symposium.

St Kitts and Nevis Viva Diplomatic Week!


Diplomatic Week 2016 19 Verna Morris Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Cuba Using Multi-stakeholder Partnership as a Potent Mechanism for Achieving Sustainable Development Within the context of a growing demand for innovative models of multi-stakeholder collaboration, it will be crucial for St. Kitts and Nevis to identify with this evolving trend in order to achieve sustainable development.
On the domestic front, the political will of the Government must be centered on catalysing and supporting multi-partnerships that goad improvements in environmental sustainability, sustainable development and economic opportunity for all its citizens.

Diplomatic Week 2016 20 As a small developing nation with limited resources, this alternative to achieving sustainable development must form part of the long –term vision of the country.
The guiding principles that govern such a partnership model should be based on the following concepts: that serve to expand on efforts of collaboration, deepen commitment to good governance, create a spirit of openness, transparency and accountability, and make governments more responsive to citizens.

Multi- stakeholder partnerships should be flexible and easily morphed to address different needs in an evolving environment.
At the national level, the Government ought to consider new approaches to partnerships by collaborating with the historically disconnected stakeholders, however, cautious not to jeopardise existing relationships that have borne and continue to bear fruits.

New public- private partnership ventures should be explored in an attempt to foster widespread growth and development.
A systematic approach to ensure citizen’s involvement and ownership in these initiatives should always be adopted with a view to galvanising maximum support.

The Government and the private sector are two key players that are central to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Both sectors are strategically inclined to mobilise additional players who can contribute significantly to sustainable development in all its dimensions -social, economic and environmental - in our Federation.
In order to achieve a multi-stakeholder partnership that operates in a seamless manner, all players must have the ability to listen and must be willing to embrace new ideas and new perspectives.

They must exhibit unwavering commitment and dedication to the cause, even in the face of adversity.

The players must be influential and possess the skill to inspire a sense of responsibility across all levels of the chain of command.
They must remain humble, patient and motivated in order to maintain a positive outlook throughout the journey.

• Home-grown and aligned with national development priorities and programmes • • • • Market-oriented with private sector-led growth and investments Multi-stakeholder engagement clearly centered on openness and all-inclusiveness Holistic approach that considers the value chain and the players Internationally connected and supported by a network capable of providing solidarity and assistance.
Forging partnerships is a process which requires time, trust, coordination and commitment to the cause.

St. Kitts and Nevis must be fully equipped to adequately respond to new challenges and opportunities by using every aspect of diplomacy to achieve its goal of becoming a sustainable twin-island Caribbean nation.

Therefore, the Embassies and other missions abroad must understand their raison d’être as playing a more vigorous role in contributing to the economic growth and development of our people.
The overall effort of the Foreign Service of St. Kitts and Nevis must be a structured and coordinated response which seeks to address challenges and create increased equity of opportunities and outcomes for those most vulnerable on the bottom of the pyramid.

Multi-stakeholder partnerships can be effective and can deliver impact on the national level.
They are most useful when the scope of the challenge is great and complex, and requires the intervention of several actors to work together to develop solutions of scale.
These types of partnerships are evolving mechanisms Diplomatic Week 2016 21 “ The important aspect of multi-stakeholder partnership is not to simply imitate from regional countries or to draw from the experiences of other global models, but to learn from our own experiences in order to build on them... ” • • Evolution of new business and partnership models Better understanding and greater insight into the perspectives, objectives and capabilities of the other participating players Multi-stakeholder collaboration cancreate opportunities for investments and innovations to confront challenges that arise from development such as health, climate change, education, water scarcity, nutrition and food security, infrastructure and mobile communications.
The important aspect of multi-stakeholder partnership is not to simply imitate from regional countries or to draw from the experiences of other global models, but to learn from our own experiences in order to build on them.

It is also critical to consider important aspects of the journey ahead with the hope of determining what works best for us.

Once this is done, St. Kitts and Nevis will be on the right path to achieving sustainable development for future generations.
Multi-stakeholder partnerships can produce huge benefits considering the involvement of various institutions whose fundamental competencies are combined.
Some results that can be obtained from this type of working method include but are not limited to: • • • • Increased access to knowledge, financial and human resources, and technical expertise resulting in greater impact on the ground Earning organisational reputation and learning how to better establish credibility Discovering and developing innovative ways to deal with recurring problems and complex challenges Development of new attitudes, leadership styles and institutional approaches The Brimstone Hill Fortress, St. Kitts Diplomatic Week 2016 22 H. E. Jasmine Elise Huggins Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Forging New Partnerships and Strengthening Networks for Sustainable Growth and Economic Development In 2008, the repercussions of the global economic downturn had begun to affect countries large and small with many taking drastic measures to stem growing unemployment and shrinking revenues.
That same year the government of St. Kitts and Nevis took the bold step of opening an Embassy in the Republic of China (Taiwan), its first in Asia and first among the countries of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Diplomatic Week 2016 23 That decision deepened the relations that had existed for many years, and gave the Federation a presence in an area that had long been underutilized by the region while bringing to the fore, new possibilities of networks and partnerships that could aid in our growth and development.
The emerging markets of Asia had long been a mag- net for multinational companies seeking suppliers and buyers for their goods, and the new technologies that developed through aggressive research and develop- ment programs were of equal attraction for smaller states.
The possibility of emulating these small states with large economies and in some instances little or no natural resources remain elusive, but not impossible, and small yet incremental action is seen as an impera- tive for achieving such an objective.

One of the most visible examples of working in tandem with partners to spur growth and generate economic activity is the effort by the government to transition to a green economy using technology from our traditional and non-traditional partners.
The adaptation of various forms of renewables are no longer seen as an option but rather a necessity (particularly for small island developing states) and following the 2015 United Nations Climate Conference (Cop21) the impetus for action is greater and more urgent.

Business opportunities in the sector are expected to grow as developing countries with smaller economies adjust and take advantage of energy efficient alternatives that provide an inexpensive, clean and stable supply of electricity.
A few businesses in the Federation had already made the adaptation and it is expected that more will follow.

With reduced electricity costs, businesses will be able to invest more and consumers will be able to spend or save more.

Taiwan, a leader in the industry with its advanced expertise in solar energy, can play an important role in assisting Saint Kitts and Nevis transition fully to renewable energy through the form of technological transfers.
An important component in this equation and one, which should not be overlooked, is the facilitating of the transfer of knowledge.

To this end, training and education of our citizens in this area is vital.

In order to accomplish this goal, training opportunities and partnerships with tertiary intuitions should be fully explored and utilized.
The enabling environment must be in place so that our students can take advantage of this relationship for their own self-advancement and for assisting the Federation to be less dependent on fossil fuels.
Within Asia also, there are possibilities for new partnerships with countries whose economies have thrived through specific sectors which are also common to ours.The hospitality industry in the countries of South East Asia has a distinct edge from which Saint Kitts and Nevis, at this stage of our economic development, particularly in our tourism sector, can learn.
Expanding our diplomatic presence there, can provide the ability to leverage some of these opportunities for our people, which can only redound to further growth of our mutual sectors.

There are yet regions where diplomatic relations do not presently exist and exploring the possibilities with some of these may very well open new avenues for economic growth.
Countries with similar aspirations, interests and democratic values, can be useful new partners even as we build and consolidate our links with our traditional friends and existing partners.

In international relations, one of the keys to success is the ability to hold fast to existing relationships while being alert to new possibilities which can add value in areas that are important to the country.

With the difficulties presently surfacing in the global economy, that tenet is even more relevant.
Our diaspora should be further encouraged to engage meaningfully and participate actively in nation building.

Our goals should be clearly defined and we must be nimble in our response to the changes in the global environment, which could adversely affect our peoples.

Our partnerships must be steadfast and strong, our benefits should be mutual and our economic development must ultimately, enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens.
Diplomatic Week 2016 24 H. E. Dr. Kevin M. Isaac High Commissioner of St Kitts and Nevis in London Reimagining the SKN-UK Relationship for a New Era 2015 was filled with global summitry of great significance for countries big and small.
Whether it was along the historical Fort of Valetta in Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM); the cobblestoned streets of Paris for COP21 or the hurried halls of the UN for the Sustainable Development Summit – the world came together to find common ground around key global principles.
The Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement and Financing for Development among others have ushered in a new era in which the need for renewed and reformed partnerships could not be more important.

The ambitious agenda that the world has set for itself requires new thinking if success is to be attained and people’s lives are to be further enriched.
This new era calls on all countries irrespective of size, economy and power to relinquish old ways of doing business and instead foster a new vision of cooperation and partnership.
Diplomatic Week 2016 25 Diplomatic Week 2016 26 Diplomatic Week 2016 27 As a Small Island Developing State, St. Kitts and Nevis along with its sister island states have long advocated for a more impactful form of engagement - a diplomacy that recognises the basic truth that the issues which confront island states are indeed global issues.
SIDS have demonstrated time and again that they are the battlegrounds of global insecurities; and also illustrated that they are fertile grounds of untapped opportunities.

across the Caribbean, as well as the EU’s Caribbean Investment facility.

Within these programmes are unique opportunities to harness both the physical and digital infrastructure that is required to make the great economic leap forward.
In order to bring to fruition the ambition of the climate agreement in Paris, green finance must be the avenue through which we execute our ideas.

To give life to the sustainable development goals, innovation and technology must be at the forefront of the battle.
The United Kingdom has been a progressive player and partner in recognising this truth.Working bilaterally and through multilateral fora such as the Commonwealth and the ACP-EU Partnership, both St. Kitts and Nevis and Britain have done impactful work together on commodities, maritime security, natural disasters, the prosperity agenda, budget support and trade.

The successes that have materialised under these frameworks are and will continue to be welcomed and laudable.
A generation of our people have been lifted out of poverty as a direct result of critical work both our countries have done together.

In a new era, however, it is time to build on the successes of traditional cooperation and go beyond by understanding the drivers of the new global economy.
It is time to imagine new partnerships built on green finance cooperation, infrastructure development, innovation and technology in healthcare and in education, renewable energy, energy efficiency, connectivity and transportation, the promotion of youth entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystems.
Some of these are already part of our bilateral and bi-regional dialogue evidenced in Prime Minister Cameron’s pledge of 300 million pounds for infrastructure development “ St. Kitts and Nevis, after thirty-three years of independence, is confident in what it can offer the world.

” These new features of the global economy cater perfectly to more strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships.
St. Kitts and Nevis, with its small size, business friendly climate, high levels of education and strategic position as a gateway to the Americas, is the ideal partner with whom to develop, test and model innovative new projects which are British in origin and which can then be exported to emerging economies in Latin America and elsewhere.
Similarly, Britain with its world renowned universities and centres of excellence in technology and innovation is a well-suited partner for training, exchanges and collaboration, thereby giving rise to a new generation of tech operators.

These types of smart partnerships ought to become the hallmark of a reimagined SKN-UK partnership.
The networks that should be fostered around these forward-looking sectors cannot be taken for granted and must become integral to our comprehensive national development strategy.

This should be the task in the months and years ahead – the pursuit of synergies for a more prosperous St. Kitts and Nevis.

St. Kitts and Nevis, after thirty-three years of independence, is confident in what it can offer the world.

Our land of beauty seeks no hand-outs; it seeks only strategic partnerships to give it a hand up.
So too must its partners recognise its ambition, its ingenuity and its resilience and work with us to further the cause of sustainable growth.

St. Kitts and Nevis has no better ally in this journey than the United Kingdom.

Our shared history, values and heritage have been the foundation of a special partnership.

These cherished attributes make us partners capable of great things on both sides of the Atlantic.
The new spirit of global cooperation coupled with the demands of the global economic order provides fresh opportunities to reimagine, redefine and forge anew our partnership.

Diplomatic Week 2016 28 Strengthening Ties at Home and Abroad T. Coreentje Phipps-Benjamin Diaspora Advisor, Permanent Mission of St Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations For decades, citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis have traveled miles beyond the familiar pristine shores of home to seek out new havens in parts unknown.
Some have found refuge in Europe while many have ventured to Canada and the United States of America to realize their dreams.

This adventurous spirit has often been nurtured by stories of countless citizens who made the journey ahead of others.

Taking the proverbial plunge to migrate abroad has subjected some citizens to undue hardships, including deplorable living arrangements, limited job opportunities, and even severed family relationships and friendships.
Despite mountains of uncertainty, leaps of faith have been taken by ordinary Kittitians and Nevisians eager to transform their destiny.

In the state of New York alone, Africans, Dominicans, Haitians, Russians, Jamaicans, Middle Easterners, and Asians are but a handful of the ethnicities one can find occupying already overcrowded Burroughs.
A large contingent of Kittitians and Nevisians make their home in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn and therein is the flavor of the migrant population that Diplomatic Week 2016 29 embodies the Kittitian and Nevisian Diaspora.

The spirit of community that is fostered by many citizens ensures that others who make the journey across the Atlantic settle easily in their new “home” away from home.

Migration is a powerful phenomenon.


The Webster’s Dictionary defines it as,“The act of people moving from one country or locality to another.” It has multifaceted effects on the lives of migrants, the families left behind and the new communities in which migrants settle into.

While migrants seek to enhance their life prospects and pass on much needed remittances to the families they leave behind, the drawbacks to migration are pronounced.
Highly trained workers, particularly young people, are lost to migration as many never return home to lend their expertise to their country of origin.

In addition, many children left behind by one or both parents face multiple social problems, especially if there is no wider family circle to assist with raising those children.

Kittitians and Nevisians are not immune to these challenges yet, wherever they settle, they bring portions of their rich history with them.
Many attend the same churches, enroll their children in familiar schools, attend various social gatherings and engage in activities that foster healthy relationships and keep the patriotic flame alight.

The Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations is one such link to the Diaspora community.

Since September of 1983, St. Kitts and Nevis has been a member of the United Nations.
While focused on its partnerships with worldwide member states, the St. Kitts and Nevis Permanent Mission to the United Nations is also charged with the responsibility of addressing issues pertinent to the people of the twin island nation.

Through diligent engagement, the Permanent Mission constantly seeks to positively impact the Diaspora communities it serves, thereby forging and strengthening relationships.
In 2014, Heads of States, Government and high-level representatives convened the third conference on Small Island Developing States in Apia, the capital of Samoa.

There, delegates articulated their commitment to “The sustainable development of small-island developing states, achievable through a broad alliance of people, governments, civil society and the private sector all working together toward a future deemed desirable for present and future generations.
Migrants, Diaspora communities and organizations play an important role in enhancing development in their communities of origin.” “ ...the Permanent Mission must continue to strengthen current partnerships and cultivate new ones, thereby unifying the people of the Federation at home and abroad.
” With such a strong Kittitian and Nevisian migrant population in New York City alone, how does the Diaspora community galvanize its abundance of financial, educational and other resources to promote the cause of Kittitians and Nevisians in their abode overseas and back in their homeland?

This meeting of high level officials served as a clarion call for Diaspora communities to become active players in the development of their respective island states.
It impresses upon nationals of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis the importance of translating civic pride into tangible and meaningful initiatives.

It’s a call to walk the walk and not just talk the talk!
Dewi Rana Amir, the Indonesian born 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and chair of an Indonesian aid organization that defends the rights of local indigenous communities stated, “I believe there should be a part of society that conscientiously works as a ‘critical partner’ of the government.” The Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations is a ‘critical partner’; a unique bridge between its Diaspora communities and the government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Given its critical link in service to the citizenry and the government, the Permanent Mission must continue to strengthen current partnerships and cultivate new ones, thereby unifying the people of the Federation at home and abroad.
Diplomatic Week 2016 30 Canada Is Back: A New Phenomenon in Canadian Politics H. E. Shirley Skerritt-Andrew High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada Canada’s return to multilateralism and the country’s general reengagement with the international community, following the change in administration after the October general elections, is probably the most inspiring foreign affairs story of 2015.
It was also auspicious that this occurred at a time when several significant international conferences and meetings were scheduled, thus giving the handsome young Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, extraordinary opportunities to strut his stuff on the world stage.
Diplomatic Week 2016 31 Between the G20 Summit in Turkey in mid-November and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland 20-23 January, the new Canadian Prime Minister attended no less than five of these international gatherings, making detours along the way to pursue bilateral as well as multilateral engagements with key international partners and colleagues, including the British and French Prime Ministers and the President of the United States.
An audience with the Queen was also de rigueur for the Prime Minister, as much to pay his respects as to reassure her that despite the controversy surrounding the removal of her portrait from the lobby of the Global Affairs building, “Her Majesty will remain an integral part of …” Canada’s “evolution, progress, and future”.
As far as other more concrete changes to Canada’s foreign policy file is concerned, the new Liberal administration has announced its intention to pursue a visa waiver agreement with Mexico, lifted some sanctions against Iran and will be resuming diplomatic relations with that Country, and have improved relations with the US.
when Canada’s then Minister of the Environment, Stephane Dion, (now Global Affairs Minister in the Trudeau administration), played such a pivotal role in securing international agreement to extend the Kyoto protocol beyond 2012.

Since then, specifically between 2006 and 2015, Canada’s progressive voice and unfailing support for developing countries have been somewhat muted.
Now with the changing of the guard following the Liberal Party’s decisive victory in October 2015, not only has the new administration hit the ground running with regard to foreign policy as typified by the high profile meetings and headline grabbing pronouncements, but domestically the Trudeau government has wasted no time in dismantling the legacy of the decade long Harper regime.
“Canada is back!” The international relations fraternity have reacted positively to Canada’s new stance, which was dramatically demonstrated at the climate change conference in Paris last November when the Prime Minister declared that “Canada is back” and ready to play the constructive role that it was known for in the past in climate change diplomacy.
One of the best examples of this was at COP 11 in Montreal in 2005 “ Caribbean states must therefore be positive, strategic and proactive, severally and as a group, as they approach this trusted friend.

” “They elected people to do different things and do things differently” In true North American fashion there has been a plethora of assessments of the first 100 days of the Trudeau administration where everything from its style of both government and governance e.g.
the appointment of a balanced gender cabinet and the issuing and releasing of ministerial mandate letters, to its early policy changes e.g.

the restoration of funding to First Nations, have been analysed using the Prime Minister’s penchant for turning a colourful phrase to good effect.
The consensus is that the new Liberal administration has launched an ambitious programme of change in line with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement that “they elected people to do different things and do things differently.” The pace of policy reversal has therefore been breathtaking considering that in the first three months following his swearing in the Prime Minister was constantly on the move, with a calendar crammed with key domestic and international engagements.
Many of the changes have been legislative such as the overturning of two pieces of legislation considered to be punitive to labour, the suspension of all court action against First Nations that did not comply with legislation and ending an appeal of the citizen niqab ruling.
“Positive leadership creates a virtuous cycle” The rolling back of what has been widely perceived as the outgoing Conservative government’s assault on Diplomatic Week 2016 32 the public sector has been relentless, and was evident in the earliest actions and announcements of the new administration such as the reopening of veterans’ offices, and the reinstating of funding cuts to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
In the same vein, the Trudeau administration has also changed how sick leave for federal employees is being dealt with, has given permission to federal scientists to speak to the media, and is ending an audit of charities by the Canada Revenue Agency.
A considerable number of these “overturning” actions are still ongoing and are too numerous to detail here, however, one that will certainly be welcomed by Canada’s diverse diaspora communities including those from St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean, is the intention to repeal some of the provisions of a bill allowing government to take away Canadian citizenship.
There is no doubt that the change in administration in Canada should have a positive impact on Canada’s relationship with the Caribbean, but this will also impact particular Caribbean States differently.
Canada has always had differentiation built into its interaction with the small Caribbean island states, where for some purposes they are treated as a block, usually through regional organisations like CARICOM and CDB, while at other times engagement is tailored to the unique specificity of each island state.

This to a great extent is what has made Canada such an ideal development partner.
However, Caribbean states cannot be complacent and expect that the new administration will automatically pay attention to Caribbean concerns.

The Trudeau administration has a huge and, as one pundit has described it “likely impossible, change file” domestically.

On the international front the burden will be no less great as the new administration ramps up its involvement to make up for lost time.
Caribbean states must therefore be positive, strategic and proactive, severally and as a group, as they approach this trusted friend.

Most importantly it is imperative the Caribbean should convey that despite being the junior partner, the region does bring somethings to the partnership especially in the areas of the environment, climate change, and a green growth agenda.
Diplomatic Week 2016 33 Bjorn Hazel Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Inter-mestic Obligations: Meeting the International and Domestic Commitments through Agricultural Development The perception among millennials toward agriculture has been marred by candid threats from well-meaning parents who asserted throughout school life, that students must pay attention to their school work, lest they end up cutting sugarcane in fields of St. Kitts.
The time has come for this mindset to undergo fundamental change.

Most young people today do not understand the independence that can be had from growing any kind of crop.

Empowering the youth in this way can only reap benefits for the future.

The term in the caption, “inter-mestic” may be an unfamiliar term for some readers.
In short, it is used in international relations to address those issues that are of international and domestic concern, which today, because of the interconnectedness of the world, are many.

Diplomatic Week 2016 34 St. Kitts and Nevis, in 2005, ended the monoculture of the production of sugar.

Since then, the Government has been attempting to diversify the economy through the further development of tourism and the Citizenship by Investment Programme and the construction boom that accompanied it.
However, the diversification of the agricultural sector has been met with some challenges, which is no doubt, a result of the mindset of the young population.

The international community has recognised the importance of agricultural development as a critical arm for sustainable development.
In November 2014 and September 2015, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis committed to the SAMOA Pathway which emanated from the SIDS Conference and the new post-2015 Development Agenda or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have replaced the Millennium Development Goals, respectively.
Under the SAMOA Pathway a whole section is dedicated to food security and nutrition, emphasising the importance of supporting the right of all to have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food, critical for developing countries.

Under the Sustainable Development Goals, goal numbers 2 (End Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well- Being) have targets directly related to agricultural development.
According to the targets under the Sustainable Development Goals, countries are mandated to, “By 2030, [to] double the agricultural production and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular, women, indigenous peoples, productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.” This increased production would assist the policy of import substitution.
That is, replacing the traditionally imported goods, with home-grown vegetables.

A good example is replacing sodium saturated potato chips with the value-added plantain chips, banana chips or breadfruit chips.
“By 2030, the Government is to ensure suitable production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters and that progressively improve land and soil quality.” The Ministry of Agriculture has been advocating for sustainable agricultural practices to produce fruits and vegetables without harming the environment and reducing wastage.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis would need technical assistance to build capacity in climate adaptation practices.

Climate change is an existential threat to the Federation, on account of its geographical features.

Ending hunger or preventing hunger and promoting a healthy lifestyle among citizens of the Federation are critical to the country’s development.
According to the target under promoting health and well-being “By 2030, reduce by one third, premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well- being.” The Federation, and the region as a whole, has a critical issue of non-communicable diseases.

The incidences of diabetes and hyper-tension among, not just the middle-aged anymore are alarming.

This is a recognised fact not just locally and regionally but globally as well.
According to the World Health Organisation, Non- communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 38 million people each year.

There are four main diseases: Cardiovascular diseases account for most NCD deaths, or 17.5 million people annually, followed by cancers (8.2 million), respiratory diseases (4 million), and diabetes (1.5 million).
Increased farming leads to an increase in local fresh fruits and vegetables which equate to a healthy diet directly impacting on healthy bodies and minds which improves the productivity of the working population which leads to longer lives and reduces government expenditure on the food import bill and the provision of health care.

This in turn returns money to the citizens by reducing taxes which may then increase local investment in the economy.
The recent initiative to allot land to young residents in rural areas is a move in the right direction to increase agricultural production, reduce unemployment, increase the health and wellness of the population and, by extension, boost the local economy.

This will surely be a page-turner for the anticipated agricultural revolution up to 2030.
Diplomatic Week 2016 35 Every Citizen is an Ambassador Asha DeSuza Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs The statement can evoke a series of thoughts for both experts and non-practitioners of diplomacy; but it can also be supported by many perspectives of public diplomacy, which forms the basis of a contemporary approach to diplomacy.
In fact, modern diplomacy incorporates an extensive involvement of non-state actors; non-government organisations, civil society, chamber of industry and commerce members and, most importantly, the citizens.

The all-encompassing nature of modern diplomacy suggests that public diplomacy is now an all-inclusive task with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at its helm.
Together, state and non- state actors build the St. Kitts-Nevis brand, the brand that is promulgated by our most esteemed government appointed ambassadors and officials within the Foreign Service.

Consequently, nation branding has an essential part to play in public diplomacy.

It is more successful and authentic when the brand is built and lived by the citizens.
Simon Anholt (2003) advocates, “Country branding occurs when public speaks to public; when a substantial portion of the country-not just civil servants and paid figure-heads get behind the strategy and lives it out in their everyday dealing in the world.” Diplomatic Week 2016 36 The government of St Kitts and Nevis prides itself as being a people-centred government.
The emphasis on people is indicative of the importance of citizens for both domestic and foreign policy, since both are intimately interlinked.

This phenomenon is enhanced by the expansion in ICT accessibility; particularly where social media and other platforms are devices that facilitate avenues for citizens to share their views on policies.
This confirms the relevance of public opinion and inevitably provides another direct route through which citizens can contribute to nation building and ultimately nation branding.

It represents what some scholars refer to as grass-roots public diplomacy.

In all, an empowerment of the People – Kittitians and Nevisians- inevitably enhances the St. Kitts and Nevis brand; a brand that is built through unity and prosperity.
Nation branding in public diplomacy is equally fundamental in light of the celebrated leading industry in St. Kitts and Nevis- tourism.

A country’s brand or image is fundamental element of the tourism product.

Some scholars argue that destination branding, that is, tourism branding should be separate from country branding.

However, for a nation that is focussed on tourism, both types are not so distinct.

Still, citizens are imperative for the building of the St. Kitts and Nevis brand.
Like the Tourism Authority’s campaign advocates using professionals, students and children all declaring “I am tourism!” Furthermore, there are other elements of the diplomatic process including cultural diplomacy, diaspora diplomacy and education diplomacy; all of the processes that require substantial involvement by citizens.

Specifically, education diplomacy can be considered one integral component of the Federation’s diplomacy.
Our comprehensive bilateral arrangements with countries in continents all across the globe to facilitate training and scholarships are evidence of this dynamic.

As I pen this article, I admit that I never understood the importance of education diplomacy until I became an education diplomat.

It is the most appropriate practical experience that a Foreign Service member can acquire before contributing to the work of the Foreign Service in an official capacity.
Kittitian and Nevisian students journeytoothercountriesandinadvertentlypromotethe St. Kitts-Nevis brand.

Then, they return to their countries informed and again contribute to policy making whether on a grass-roots level or a government level.

Joseph Nye (2004), an American academic, supports this view as he recalls his own experience as an education diplomat and concludes by suggesting, “that aspect of soft power is probably most effective”.
Equally, it is an avenue that small island states with limited power in the international political economy can take advantage of in order to advance their foreign policy.
“ ...public diplomacy is critical for the Citizenship by Investment Programme, a programme that has provided significant socio-economic benefits... ” At this juncture, it is imperative to note that the intention of the author is not to discredit the salience of the Foreign Service, but to underscore the role that Kittitians and Nevisians play in ensuring the successful establishment and advocacy of the policies of St. Kitts and Nevis, and ultimately the Federation’s image.
In fact, public diplomacy is critical for the Citizenship by Investment Programme, a programme that has provided significant socio-economic benefits to the country and people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

By virtue of the nature of this programme, public diplomacy is implicitly embedded in its framework.
The government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service have worked assiduously to manage the reputation of the St. Kitts and Nevis’ image in the international community and to advocate the legitimacy of this growth strategy.

These are inextricably linked because the country image is the basis of attraction for CIP clientele.

In all, when public diplomacy is conceptualised this way, it solidifies the opportunities for nation building internally, and image projection externally.
Diplomatic Week 2016 37 Answering the Call for More Information Bjorn Hazel Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Public diplomacy, no matter the form has been seen as an expression of power: soft power.

This is critical to the Federation as its size and economic constraints restrict the development of hard power which is measured in military and economic terms.

Public Diplomacy, specifically, is “governments communicating directly with the citizens of another” (The Economist 2012).
In the digital age, what is practiced is e-diplomacy which is “an easy and cheap tool for other purposes, too: responding to disasters, gathering information and managing relationships” (The Economist 2012).

The Federation’s foreign policy is guided by eight main pillars which include the right to self- determination, respect for human rights, and the promotion of world peace.
“Policies based on broadly inclusive and far-sighted definitions of the national interests are easier to make attractive to others than policies that take a narrow and myopic perspective” (Nye 2005, 60).

The Federation’s foreign policy has long been based on fairness and equality in the international arena to engender cooperation from as many entities as possible.

Diplomatic Week 2016 38 Engagement through social media can assist in marketing the principles of the Federation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must engage in public diplomacy, not only through its website, but must engage a wider audience through social media.

Social media helps to inform and guide citizens to the website which has much of the information that they seek.

The Ministry should therefore use not just a website, but use social media to its advantage and connect with other Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Regional and International Organisations.
Through social media, ordinary citizens become engaged in public diplomacy.

Once an article is posted or a tweet ‘tweeted,’ ordinary citizens participate by sharing or re- tweeting which allows the information to go further, for it to be seen by more persons.

“The communication revolution has provided ordinary citizens the ability to engage in what we call ‘grassroots’ public diplomacy” (Payne, Sevin and Bruya 2011, 46).
Incorporating the use of social media would also assist in the development of an image for not only the Government but for the Ministry as well.

Social media in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will create a community of interested persons who are willing to read snippets of foreign policy issues and developments that occur globally, regionally and the impacts these may have locally.
“Members of this community are expected to react to content shared by posting a comment or hitting the ‘like’, ‘share’, or re-tweet buttons” (Manor 2015).

However, this must not be seen as a one-way communication portal.

The Ministry must interact publicly and privately with followers to add dynamism to the Ministry’s reputation.

Information must be shared daily with followers to keep the social networking page vibrant and up-to-date with international events.
A little note can be written with these updates giving the Federation’s position on certain matters.

A daily monitoring of the site can reduce attacks to the Ministry.

A “rapid response capability means that false charges or misleading information can be answered immediately” (Nye 2005, 107).

“ Many persons will witness the rapid response of the Ministry on behalf of the government and certainly view St. Kitts and Nevis as a country that is always ready to assist.
” In addition, the Ministry has to be strategic with its communication.

What is shared on a Ministry of Foreign Affairs Social Media page must be carefully selected.

What is re-posted, re-tweeted or shared must be chosen in a manner in which the Foreign Policy of the Federation is not offended or represented negatively.

Also, the Ministry can join different campaigns by re-posting and re-tweeting United Nations proposals such as any international days to be celebrated.
Social networking sites must be used to advertise scholarship opportunities, vacancies, conferences, inter alia.

Relationships can be developed with the general public through social media.

Assistance via the social networking sites will advertise the site for more persons to join that community or page and give a positive image, not just to the Ministry but to the country as a whole.
Many persons will witness the rapid response of the Ministry on behalf of the government and certainly view St. Kitts and Nevis as a country that is always ready to assist.

Reaching new audiences is the new task of Ministries, Embassies, and International Organizations in the area of diplomacy.

Breaking the age-old shackle of secrecy in diplomacy must be an imperative in the 21st Century.
Diplomatic Week 2016 39 From the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations A Renewed Approach for Engagement with the Pacific Our twin-island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is honoured to be one of the 192 Member States of the United Nations, which promotes international cooperation.

Our Nation has embarked on a path towards sustainable development with a fresh/ enhanced vision of economic growth, social advancement, and environmental preservation.
A pivotal sector for the realization of these targets is the international arena, of which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its overseas offices are the main actors.

Indeed the Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis to the UN plays an indispensable role in advancing our Nation’s interests through diplomacy, negotiation and daily monitoring of UN activities.

The Foreign Policy initiatives of St. Kitts and Nevis are guided by the domestic priorities of the islands.
Priority areas of importance for us continue to be the economic, social, and environmental concerns, trade and commercial opportunities, investments, education, climate change and renewable energy.
Diplomatic Week 2016 40 With the adoption of the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the international community, a new development paradigm has been ushered in within the global community, that is in harmony with the development aspirations of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Within this new environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with embarking on innovative strategies within the international arena that allows for the domestic priorities of economic growth, social advancement, and environmental preservation to be met.

to occur, within the framework of our own domestic priorities.
The New Partnership During the preparation for and convening of the Third International Conference on SIDS, the strength of the position of St. Kitts and Nevis was solidified through a partnership with the other SIDS from around the world.

It was here that the initiative began for a focus on the issues affecting island nations, and it was this initial discussion that produced the core principles of the blueprint for the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States.
The inquiry of necessity focuses on where and with whom can these innovative strategies take place?

Where, in effect, can new partnerships and strengthened networks occur, that will benefit St. Kitts and Nevis?

The UN Environment as a catalyst The United Nations has been a great tool for St. Kitts and Nevis in engaging with countries far beyond its sphere of influence.

It is within this organization that the realization of potential partners exists.
The Permanent Mission of St. Kitts and Nevis, as one of the overseas offices of the Foreign Ministry, keeps in close contact and dialogue with every other Member of the UN (192)Member States, ensuring that we remain on the cutting edge of developments in the international arena.

As such we are able to keep our government informed on International issues.
“ ...it is felt that St. Kitts and Nevis would be better served by examining regional grouping of islands with other potential allies within that same region... ” Within the UN, discussions occur on thematic areas and the countries with those common interests converge on ways to take the issues forward.

An example of this is with the classification of some countries as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and the attempts to help SIDS address their sustainable development challenges and priorities.
As such, the UN is the beginning of the discourse where new partnerships can be forged relative to the area of concerns raised.

An “island collective” was seen as an untapped partnership to be pursued, based on the similarities, common goals, and the success of the Conference.
In looking at the most strategic partnership however, it is felt that St. Kitts and Nevis would be better served by examining regional grouping of islands with other potential allies within that same region, to enable the limited resources of the Federation to concentrate on that one region.
For St. Kitts and Nevis then, the new Sustainable Development paradigm of the UN allows for that consideration of new and strengthened partnerships During the SIDS Conference, it was clear to the islands as well, that strengthened partnerships with non-SIDS, would be of fundamental importance.

The Pacific islands of Australia and New Zealand answered that Diplomatic Week 2016 41 Potential benefits So what are the benefits of new and strengthened partnerships with the Pacific?
St. Kitts and Nevis has much in common with the islands of the Pacific in terms of being SIDS with similar challenges and developmental aspirations.

There is much to learn from each other, including strategies promoting Climate Change, mitigation and resilience, disaster risk reduction, and incorporation of the diaspora in the developmental goals of the islands.
Additionally, the Pacific islands have made considerable advances in renewable energy, through their partnerships with the International Renewable Energy Agency; also with their exploration of the sustainable use of the Oceans and Seas.

These represent areas of potential partnerships for St. Kitts and Nevis.

From Australia and New Zealand, there are the potential tourists and CBI clients who can bring much investment opportunities to the Federation.
Additionally, increased trade and commercial interests; and access to world- renowned universities dealing with topics related to sustainable development create added benefits for St. Kitts and Nevis.

Conclusion Unquestionably, an exploration of the potential to be gained by forging new partnerships and strengthening networks in the Pacific, can greatly contribute to the vision of a sustainable future for the Federation.
So then, as we seek to forge new and effective partnerships in our pursuit of economic growth, social advancement, and environmental preservation, there is considerable mileage to be gained in strengthening our engagement in the Pacific Region.

Indeed, whether the focus is tourism, business development, trade and commerce, education, renewable energy, or climate change adaptation and mitigation, the bolstering requires greater regional and international support.
National Statement of Australia to the Plenary of the Third International Conference of Small Island Developing States, delivered by Senator Brett Mason, Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Source: www.sids2014.org 2 ibid.

call of partners, being instrumental in the success of the Conference.
At the Conference itself, Australia stated, “We want to see all small islands, in the Pacific and beyond, thrive and prosper, and realize their full potential for the benefit of their peoples.” In their statement, Australia also highlighted their new approach to foreign policy as one of “economic diplomacy,” defined by that delegation as “the pursuit of peace and prosperity through trade, investment, economic growth and a robust business sector.” In the new development paradigm of St. Kitts and Nevis, this statement by Australia resonates and presents many opportunities to be explored through trade and business.
New Zealand also provided considerable support to the Conference and expressed its willingness to support island nations around the world.

The recent opening of the High Commission of New Zealand to CARICOM countries can be viewed as a continuation of their commitment to partnerships with the region; and it presents another opportunity for St. Kitts and Nevis to explore initiatives with this country.
Clearly, it is now widely accepted that issues facing SIDS are global issues; that must now be addressed collectively.

For St. Kitts and Nevis therefore, one possible area for new and strengthened partnerships can be with the Pacific Region.
“ the Pacific islands have made considerable advances in renewable energy, through their partnerships with the International Renewable Energy Agency... ” Diplomatic Week 2016 42 Fostering New Relationship with Bermuda Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) H. E. Dr. Everson W. Hull B ackground: St. Kitts and Nevis is solidifying its place as an economic and financial leader in the CARICOM region and is well poised for advancing to the next higher stage of its development.
Despite the protracted recent economic slowdown, St. Kitts and Nevis stands close to the head of the regional class with respect to overall economic growth, exports and net inflows of foreign direct investment.

The country suffered a major setback because of the mis-management and abuse of its Citizens by Investment (CBI) program and the associated black-listing by the European Commission as an “Uncooperative” tax jurisdiction.
Diplomatic Week 2016 43 Today, there is no organized attempt to welcome SKN Bermudians to visit and participate in our social, cultural, and sporting events including the St. Kitts Music Festival, the Nevis Blues Festival and Culturama events.
There is no St. Kitts-Nevis Bermuda Association that is dedicated to bridging the gap between Kittitian and Nevisian residents in Bermuda and those at home that is similar in construct and purpose to our Hearts and Hands Association of New York and St. Kitts and Nevis DC Associations, both deeply committed to giving back to our places of origin and strengthening the ties that bind us.
Calls for Re-unification: Notwithstanding, there are a few Kittitian and Nevisian residents in Bermuda who have tried in their own individual ways to sustain and motivate efforts to strengthen these ties.

One leading advocate is a Kittitian Bermudian journalist, Christopher Famous, who writes a column for the Bermuda Sun.

In his February 5, 2014 article titled, “….


My [Kittitian] Family has invested in Bermuda for 120 years”, In making a very persuasive case as to why persons of St. Kitts – Nevis ancestry should also invest in their place of origin, he wrote that, “…My great grandfather had multiple farms and properties in Devonshire and Pembroke.
Most of Parsons Road belongs to persons who originated from St Kitts…” The proposed strengthening of our economic and financial ties to Bermuda signals our commitment to bridging the gap between Kittitians and Nevisians at home and abroad, while fostering the growth and development of stronger partnerships in the pursuit of the Nation’s Prosperity Agenda.
Central to this mission objective is the establishment of diplomatic relations through the establishment of a Consulate for St. Kitts and Nevis in Bermuda.

The proposed consulate provides an historic opportunity for advancing the cause of UNITY by fully embracing our brothers and sisters in Bermuda, for the first time, as partners in the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.

As an Associate Member of CARICOM, Bermuda is unique among the regional body’s members and affiliates.
Central Intelligence Agency data shows that, at (U.S.) $86,000, its per capita income is ranked as the fifth highest in the world.

Its per capita income is 62 percent higher than that of the U.S.A., which stands at (U.S.) $52,980.

The only countries with a higher per capita income are Qatar, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Macau.

More than 70,000 persons dwell on its 19 square miles.

In part because of its small size and high income earning capacity, Bermudians travel extensively.
Being British, they are passionate about the games of cricket and football.

Each year, large groups travel abroad and unload a portion of their surplus income and wealth, in places like the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Governance: Because it remains a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom, there are no embassies on the Island of Bermuda.
Instead, there are a number of diplomatic consulates which handle minor diplomatic issues, facilitate trading and commercial relationships, and provide assistance to migrants, tourists, and expatriates.

Only one CARICOM country -- Jamaica -- is listed among Bermuda’s 19 consulates.
The countries which now have consulates in Bermuda are: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.S.A. As in the case of St. Kitts and Nevis, the fiscal difficulties of its own coalition government have been compounded by the inclusion of Bermuda among the list of 30 countries that are deemed, by the European Commission (the “EC”), to be “uncooperative” jurisdictions.
As the Unity government has done, Bermuda has strongly denounced the wrongful EC claims and has taken deliberate steps to reverse the decision and restore the country’s good name.

The SKN-BDA Nexus: Beginning in the late 1890s, there was a shortage of Bermudians willing to engage in manual labor; and many laborers were imported from St. Kitts and Nevis to work in building the Naval Dockyard.

The Dockyard served as an important staging area for trans-Atlantic convoys in World Wars I and II.
It is estimated that the descendants of those who emigrated from St. Kitts and Nevis to work in the dockyard account today for an estimated 60 percent of all Bermudians.

Diplomatic Week 2016 44 Ghislaine Williams-Clarke Counselor at the Permanent Mission of St Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations Mutual Opportunities Abound - Reaching Africa Our Nation records its gratitude for the many diplomatic relationships established over the years pre-dating Independence and up to present time.
However, many nations comprise the world and we have not yet touched half of them.

While we are aware of the many tangible and intangible mutual benefits gained from our diplomatic relationships with our friends around the world, the focus of this article is on Africa.

St. Kitts and Nevis along with the rest of the Caribbean Community shares a very special connection to Africa, one that is rooted in our blood.
By reason of our common struggles, culture and history, Africa and St. Kitts and Nevis potentially stand to benefit greatly through social, educational, cultural and economic partnership opportunities.

Diplomatic Week 2016 45 “ Strengthening our networks with Africa for sustainable economic development is of paramount importance as we share common aspirations.
” We have come a long way from the scourge of slavery as a people and we must continue to make an indelible mark on the world, bringing to bear myriads of significant, now universal pioneering achievements that hitherto were not chronicled.

St. Kitts and Nevis has established diplomatic relations with a number of African countries.

However, if we are serious about the power of our partnerships, we have to expand the outreach and establish a vibrant diplomatic presence in Africa.
Strengthening our networks with Africa for sustainable economic development is of paramount importance as we share common aspirations.

This cannot be done on our own as a small Caribbean Island; we must work in tandem with the CARICOM Secretariat through the CARICOM Caucus of Permanent Representatives in New York to engage regularly with the African Union on common issues and ventures.
St. Kitts and Nevis has supported African initiatives at the United Nations on various occasions and continues to do so whether it is through resolutions, candidatures, side events and other initiatives.

A strong foundation is in place to facilitate the strengthening of and building on our bonds for exceptionally high levels of mutual achievement.

We have retained many of our cultural traditions for almost four hundred years.
The African language sub- stratum or grammar reigns throughout our language of identity and pride, ‘Creole English’, as some call it but it is the same sub-stratum that pervades all of the creoles of the world!

The recipes and cooking styles bear resemblance to the African cuisine and some dishes and food we consume still bear African names.

The dance moves, masquerade, comparsa, beguine and tumbele remain with us whether we are in Martinique, Cuba or St. Kitts and Nevis.
The African wear, a symbol of the renaissance of the sixties and seventies, coinciding with the Black Power Movement is now again in vogue.

Our sportsmen and women mainly through cricket and football visit and interact with several African nations and vice versa.

Hundreds of Africans study and even live here in our Nation; African products, souvenirs and literature are now in demand.
As we look towards the future and the bigger picture, the rich resources of Africa, gold, diamonds, oil, art, craft, performing arts, dried and other foods, technology and other resources represent just a peek into the immense possibilities for trade, tourism and cooperation with the motherland.

This brings us to the logistics of transportation.

Although no longer separated by the powers that ruled us, we are now divided by travel routes which are circuitous and costly.
To facilitate trade, tourism and economic growth a public/private sector approach may open up the well-needed direct routes between Africa and the Caribbean.

Hurricanes drift at a leisurely rate from West Africa to us and strike within a few days.

Travel between us can therefore be done within a matter of hours on a commercial flight.

Growth and awareness obtained in this way may also expand into Cruise and Cargo shipping opportunities; again for our mutual benefit!
It is my sincere hope that as we celebrate Diplomatic Week 2016, we would take time to reflect on the possibilities and opportunities for further collaboration and develop appropriate strategies to explore them.

Africa here we come!

Diplomatic Week 2016 46 Elsa G. Wilkin-Armbrister Acting Consul General, Consulate General of St.Kitts and Nevis in Dubai St. Kitts and Nevis in The United Arab Emirates Warm greetings from the most populous city and business hub of the United Arab Emirates.
Dubai, continues to respond to the challenges and demands of a modern hub city.

Although, the UAE is committed to its cultural values and beliefs, it is equally dedicated to creating a platform of services and systems that allow countries across the globe – large and small – businesses, providers of a myriad of services as well as individuals to be able to network, to connect on various levels and to work together across a variety of disciplines and time zones.


Diplomatic Week 2016 47 “ The governments of St. Kitts and Nevis and the United Arab Emirates share in the priorities of expanding people to people contacts, business partnerships, diplomatic cooperation and building more prosperous societies.
business and individuals whose networks and linkages canenhance the relationships between thegovernment of St. Kitts and Nevis and several countries in the GCC and Middle East region where our citizens reside.

The Consulate is actively pursuing avenues to broaden and strengthen the consular profile with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan among others.
One important factor, which is points to the growing success of the Consulate General of St. Kitts and Nevis in Dubai, lies in the Office’s keen understanding and appreciation of the culture of this region, its willingness to adapt and to embrace the phenomenon of cultural diversity.
Embracing and respecting the culture has seen new demarches and engagements that will undoubtedly strengthen not only the consular presence in Dubai but also the diplomatic footprint of St. Kitts and Nevis throughout the region.
The Consulate General of St. Kitts and Nevis in Dubai remains steadfast in its commitmenttocontinueestablishingnewpartnerships and strengthening old ones so that it can be better placed to play a more constructive and practical role in national efforts to diversify our economy, further developing our renewable energy solutions and creating a steady and reliable stream of economic development.
” It is through this lens and the current and future reach of the Consulate that we also hope to be able to forge new relationships even beyond the Middle East, specifically with countries in Africa.
Scenic Railway, St. Kitts Hence, the Consulate General of St. Kitts and Nevis in Dubai is strategically placed in an ideal physical location for forging stronger relationships and building deeper diplomatic relations within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the wider Middle East and African region.

The region is wealthy, investor-friendly and open to opportunities.
Pursuing the benefits of these potential business relationships, networks and partnerships is a pivotal thrust of the consular presence here in Dubai.

The governments of St. Kitts and Nevis and the United Arab Emirates share in the priorities of expanding people to people contacts, business partnerships, diplomatic cooperation and building more prosperous societies.
Therefore, the two governments are systematically working on agreements that will increase bilateral trade and partnerships through sustainable and equitable economic development.
Thanks in part to Federation’s robust and vibrant CBI program, we are able to capitalize on already established network of well-resourced and successful Diplomatic Week 2016 48 List of St. Kitts and Nevis Honorary Consuls Mr. Fernando LaMa reyes Honorary Consul Ave. John F Kennedy Edificio Bonanza Santo Domingo Dominican Republic Tel No.

(809) 563 8910 Fax No.


(809) 566 1087 Email f.lama@verizon.net.do Mr. Brian e. KeeLey Honorary Consul 6855 Red Road Coral Gables, Florida Tel No (786) 662 7222 Fax No (786) 662 7723 Email.

briank@baptisthealth.net Mr. steven GoLdstein Honorary Consul 22, Chemin Du Petray 1222 Vesenaz, Genève, Switzerland Tel No.

41 22 722 0636 Fax No.

41 22 722 0649 Email.

steven.goldstein@axions.ch Mrs. FatiMa GonuL oray eKen Honorary Consul Cumhuriyet Cad.

No.

175/A Harbiye Istanbul, Turkey Tel No.


902 212 549 0700 Fax No.

902 212 549 0710 Email.

skn@turkeyconsul.cc gonuleken@gmail.com Mr. MehMet ayKut eKen Honorary Consul 246 Avenue de Tervuren 1150 Brussels, Belgium Tel No.

+32 2 762 9095 Fax No.

+32 2 762 8667 Email.


stkittsnevis@skynet.be Mr. todd axeLrod Consul General Consulate General of St Kitts & Nevis 3195 Humber Road Victoria, BC V8R 3S9 Phone: 250.483.5832 Fax: 250.519.0036 dr. david doyLe Permanent Representative to UNESCO Honorary Consul 28 rue Pasteur 92210 St Cloud France Tel: +33 628 69 4040 Fax: +33 957 75 5844 E-mail: dpdoyle@free.fr dl.st-stkitts&nevis@unesco- delegations.org dr. Peter G ahner Honorary Consul Van-der-Smissen-Strasse 2 D-22767 Hamburg Germany Tel No.
:: 011 49 40 389 989 11 Fax: 011 49 40 389 989 90 E-mail: info@st-kitts-nevis.de Mrs. nadia nair Locanto Honorary Consul Federative Republic of Brazil Rua Argentina 357 B Jardim Paulista Sao Paulo – SP BRAZIL 01436-010 Tel.

No.

011 5511 3062 3323 Fax.

No.


011 Email: nadialocanto@terra.com.br Mr. MohaMed taoudi BencheKroun Honorary Consul The Kingdom of Morocco 43, Rue Normandie, Maarif, Casablanca Morocco Tel: +212 522 593580 Email: m.benchekroun@dyechem-co- lours.com Ms. tessy eKPunoBi Honorary Consul Nigeria 23 Kampala Street, Wuse II, Abuja Nigeria Diplomatic Week 2016 49 Mr. ravi JaiPuria Honorary Consul India 7 A, Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi 110011 Tel.
: +91 1123014440 Fax : +91 1123017177 Email: rkj@rjcorp.in Mr. BassaM aLGhaniM Consul General of St. Kitts and Nevis 10436 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 3050 #3 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Tel.

1-626-706-5123 Mr. KutayaBa aLGhaniM Consul General of St. Kitts & Nevis 414 E 75 St., Suite 2 New York, NY 10021 Tel: 1-212-535-1234 Mr. WiLBur harriGan, oBe Honorary Consul c/o Pannell Kerr Forster P O Box 159, Redcliffe Road St John’s, Antigua Tel No.

1 268 462 0827 Fax No.


1 268 462 4747 Email pannellf@candw.ag Mr. WorreLL nero Honorary Consul 822 N 26th St. A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 9130-1804 Tel.

No.

1 215 765 0660 Fax.

No.

1 215 765 5500 haroLd MarzouKa Jr. Honorary Consul Ruelle Jeudy #4 Route de l’Aeroport Port-au-Prince, Haiti Tel.

+509 3701-1763 +509 3701-1765 Diplomatic Week 2016 50 Acknowledgements His Excellency Sir S.W.
Tapley Seaton GCMG, CVO, QC, JP Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris The Premier’s Ministry, Nevis The Ministry of Education The Ministry of Tourism, St Kitts The Ministry of Tourism, Nevis The Tourism Authority, St Kitts The Tourism Authority, Nevis The Ministry of Agriculture The Ministry of Health The Ministry of Sustainable Development The Ministry of Culture The Ministry of Public Infrastructure The Citizenship by Investment Unit The St Kitts Investment Agency (SKIPA) The Nevis Investment Agency (NIPA) The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Brimstone Hill National Society Christophe Harbour CS Global Kajola Kristada Kittitian Hill Koi Resorts Nirvana Manhattan Gardens Palm’s Court Romney Manor TDC Group of Companies, St Kitts The Chamber of Industry and Commerce The Ocean Terrace Inn The St Kitts Marriott Hotel & Resort GMP Graphics & Printing Diplomatic Week 2016 51 Diplomatic Week 2016 52