Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley has called on nationals living overseas to strengthen their ties with St. Kitts and Nevis and consider returning home to live, invest and contribute to the Federation’s development.
Brantley made the appeal while delivering the featured address at the St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Georgia’s Annual Independence Gala Dinner on September 12 in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
The sold-out event brought together nationals from Georgia and other parts of the United States to celebrate the Federation’s 43rd Independence Anniversary, while also highlighting the nation’s heritage, culture and the contributions of its diaspora.
In his keynote address, Brantley urged members of the diaspora to revitalise their connection with the country of their birth or ancestry, encouraging them to look beyond visiting home and consider opportunities to return permanently or invest in Nevis.
The Premier said the Nevis Island Administration has established a Diaspora Unit to help create a more structured pathway for nationals overseas who are interested in returning to Nevis to live or invest. He also highlighted initiatives aimed at encouraging returning nationals to bring their skills, experience and resources back to the island.
Among those initiatives is the Returning Home Nationals and Diaspora Investment Programme, which is intended to encourage members of the diaspora to return and pursue investment opportunities that can create employment and contribute to Nevis’ economic development.
Brantley’s message formed part of a broader effort by the Nevis Island Administration to maintain stronger communication with nationals overseas and involve them more directly in the island’s future. His appearance at the Georgia gala also served as a reminder to nationals abroad that, despite living thousands of miles away, they remain an important part of the Federation’s wider community and have a role to play in its continued development.
The Premier encouraged members of the diaspora to view Nevis not only as their birthplace or the home of their ancestors, but also as a place where they can live, invest, create opportunities and help shape the island’s future.
