Last Updated on June 20, 2023, 2:48 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, was recently appointed as the Chairman of the OECS ahead of the opening ceremony of the 73rd meeting of the OECS Authority. During the remarks that he delivered on the occasion of his appointment, he shared his vision and plans that he would be focusing on for his new tenure.
One of the topics that he alluded to included the construction of youth for OECS shared that the future rests on the shoulders of the youth. Accordingly, He shared that the youth of the country needs to feel like their countries have something to offer to them. These nations must provide opportunities for economic and social growth. Dr Terrance Drew shared that the youth of the country are valued.
Accordingly, Dr Drew believes it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that hey will be allowed to contribute to their societies; It is the responsibility of the governments to ensure that they can receive living wages and income. It is their responsibility to ensure that they are being trained and invested with skills which enable them to flourish at the national level and compete at the global level.
Dr Terrance Drew further stated that the youth of the region will work in the new global digital economy to expand the economic border of the region. He stated that the youth must be equipped for this. The areas of Sports, the digital and orange economies, health, and tourism services, are ripe for investments. These areas seek the involvement of the highly talented young people of the region.
Dr Drew added that if the OECS does not make space for the youth, they risk brain drain. This is especially concerning for a time when the region especially requires creativity and and energy of the youth.
The remarks alluded to several topics that require critical attention from the leaders who are a part of the OECS. The Prime Minister reflected on the time frame he is assuming the chairmanship of the OECS. He shared that at this time, the Caribbean is still recovering from the significant impacts of Covid-19.
He asserted that they are also dealing with price hikes and disruptions in the supply chain owing to the Russia-Ukraine War. Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew took the opportunity to share that they are standing on the frontline of the battle with climate change. He asserted that this crisis is not our own but that we cannot afford it environmentally or economically.
Dr Drew shared that inflation and rapidly evolving labour markets are causing heavy losses to the incomes and ability of our people to maintain themselves. Small island developing states are struggling against geopolitical and economic forces which threaten to overwhelm the small and vulnerable.
The prime minister Dr Terrance Drew further took the opportunity to share the Sustainable Island State Agenda of St Kitts and Nevis. He shared that it is being constructed on seven key pillars:
- Food for Security,
- Green Energy Transition,
- Economic Diversification,
- Sustainable Industries,
- Creative Economy,
- COVID-19 recovery,
- Social Protection.
Dr Terrance Drew shared that during his term, for the OECS he will give special attention to five areas. These are: youth; health; violence as a public health issue; energy; and environment. He reflected on the future of the OECS during his tenure.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
