RR Undertakes Mission to Saint Kitts and Nevis

September 22, 2019

(L-R) Dr. The Hon. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis & Mr. Magdy Martinez-Soliman, UNDP Resident Representative for Barbados and the OECS

In the afternoon of Independence Day, immediately after the diplomatic reception, Dr. The Hon. Timothy Harris received UNDP Resident Representative’s Letters of Credence in a meeting that took place at Warmer Park, Basseterre. The Honourable Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis emphasized that his country, at its 36th anniversary of independence, needed “…more of the UN” while he congratulated UNDP for its work to support the Police Forces through the CariSecure Project.

The PM heard from Mr. Martinez Soliman about the improvement of the citizen security data and situation on the islands, the efforts of UNDP to support the protection of natural areas and National Parks, like the Central Forest Reserve and the hiking trails to Mount Liamuiga. His Excellency mentioned the need to digitalize the Monument to the National Heroes, and that he would call on UNDP to provide any assistance it could provide. The UNDP RR also referred to his rounds of meetings with the Ministers of Agriculture and of Gender Affairs, the intended future collaboration with the NEMA on building damage assessment, and the interest of UNDP to engage with the High Court and the Attorney-General on a Justice Sector Needs Assessment.

Dr. Harris and Mr. Martinez exchanged tokens of mutual appreciation, and UNDP received a mug with the national colours, corresponded through a reusable water bottle of UNDP’s Blue Lab branded with the campaign motto “Plastic or Planet”. Mr. Martinez Soliman took the opportunity to encourage the Government of SKN to ban the single-use plastic bags from the Federation, an expression which was received with sympathy by the host. The Prime Minister wished the UNDP Head all success in his tenure, and Mr. Martinez Soliman expressed his gratitude for the invitation to the 36th independence celebrations.