Story courtesy of the Communications Unit of

the Office of the Prime Minister

(Basseterre, St. Kitts) – The Vatican, the United Nations, Dominica, Israel, the United States and Mexico have sent messages of congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of Independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

U.S. President George W. Bush, in a message congratulating Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian on the nation’s milestone said, “The United States looks forward to working closely with St. Kitts and Nevis in the years ahead as we continue to promote democracy, security, and prosperity throughout the Caribbean and the Western Hemisphere.”

The President of Mexico, His Excellency Felipe Calderon said he was “certain that the dialogue and cooperation between Mexico and St. Kitts and Nevis will continue developing and benefit the friendship, well being and development of both nations.”

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in sending cordial greetings and best wishes to Sir Cuthbert Sebastian and the people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis “entrusting the Nation to the loving providence of Almighty God” and pray that the people may continue to work for the common good by upholding human dignity and promoting justice and peace for all.

The President of Israel, His Excellency Shimon Peres, told Governor General Sebastian that the “25th Independence Day of St. Kitts and Nevis offers him the opportunity to extend on behalf of the people of Israel “warm and sincere wishes for your personal well being and for the continued progress and prosperity of your country and its people.”

President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, His Excellency Nicholas J.O. Liverpool said the attainment of the 25th Anniversary of Independence is a time to celebrate the lasting friendship between St. Kitts and Nevis and Dominica.

“Dominica looks forward to our continued cooperation through the sharing of ideas and the strengthening of our commitments to the Commonwealth, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), CARICOM and other regional and international fora,” said President Liverpool.

United Nations Secretary General, His Excellency Ban Ki-moon noted that in the face of emerging global challenges, the United Nations is in greater demand than ever before in its history.

He said that working with member states, he is determined to achieve progress on the pressing issues of “our time, step by step, by building results along the way.”

“Even as we address the complex problems prevailing today, we must never lose sight of the founding principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which called for the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity,” said Ban Ki-moon, adding that he was aware of the high expectations the world has for the United Nations.

“I exert my utmost efforts to realise this vision of effectiveness and efficiency in all of our endeavours, enhancing our ability to deliver on shared priorities. As my colleagues and I purse this mission, it is heartening to know that the United Nations can count on the guidance, commitment and support of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said the United Nations Secretary General.