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The expression of concern by a Minister in the Nevis Island Administration, Spencer Brand, over what he describes as significant omissions in the Prime Minister’s recent national address, is not baseless, it is a reminder that the pursuit of advancement in the Federation requires collaboration and timeliness.
Acknowledging that the address touched on national challenges and government initiatives, Mr. Brand reflected that it failed to adequately address critical developments affecting Nevis. He highlighted the absence of updates on two major projects for Nevis—the expansion of the Vance Amory International Airport and the proposed Destiny development project.
“In the Prime Minister’s presentation, I did not hear anything that was comforting regarding the airport expansion project, nor anything encouraging about the Destiny project here on Nevis,” he said. “I felt that the Prime Minister may have missed an opportunity to speak directly to the people of Nevis on these matters.”
Mr. Brand then made a pertinent point when he suggested that the omission could give the impression that development efforts are primarily focused on St. Kitts, rather than the Federation as a whole. “I got the impression that it only appeared that development on St. Kitts was of relevance and importance… and that felt a bit sad.”
He expressed hope for a more balanced approach to national development moving forward, stressing that both islands benefit from each other’s progress, and calling for greater recognition of Nevis’ developmental needs. He aptly noted that for there to be advancement, “we must recognise that we are two islands with different approaches, and there are constitutional procedures that must be followed”
It was pointed out that many international financing arrangements require federal guarantees. He used the example that the NIA has been awaiting a response from the Federal Government, for a few months, regarding a guarantee for a loan from Taiwan to fund the airport expansion. He said that although such guarantees may appear as liabilities on the Federation’s books, Nevis would be responsible for repayment.
It was also argued that advancing the airport expansion and the Destiny project could play a key role in reducing reliance on the Citizenship by Investment programme – something we at The Observer have repeatedly stated.
The Minister’s concerns were by no means a criticism of the Prime Minister, whom he duly acknowledged has collaborated with the NIA on other initiatives, including the geothermal energy project, which he described as beneficial to both islands. However, the tenor of his opinion cannot be ignored – a perfect opportunity was missed to speak directly to the people of Nevis on matters that are of great importance to them.
Less than three weeks ago, The Observer highlighted the potential economic input both Nevis and Saint Kitts could receive from a massive venture such as the Destiny project. We made the point that with that project, Nevis could find itself in front and ahead of most of the Caribbean islands. We also opined that the administration in Nevis and the Federal Government should do all they could to ensure that the investors stay in Nevis, and don’t opt to go elsewhere. Time and tide wait for no man.
We certainly cannot tell the elected leaders how to run the country, but when it is appears that matters of utmost importance and benefit to the nation are not being prioritised, or are given short shrift, it will never be said that we did not highlight those facts.
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