By Steve Thomas Observer Nevis Editor
stevethomas@thestkittsnevisobserver.com (Charlestown, Nevis) ” Nevis Island Administration Premier the Hon. Joseph Parry recently outlined plans to mark the country’s 25th anniversary of independence and reviewed the progress of the nation and his party’s two-year-old administration. “This afternoon is a special time for us, as it is the beginning of the celebration of our 25th Anniversary,” Premier Parry told an audience in downtown Charlestown last week. “It was 25 years ago that St. Kitts and the island of Nevis, this twin island nation, took the bold step of independence. It was 25 years ago that this island with $250,000 started the government of Nevis. Many persons had low expectations, because a small sum of $250,000 was not expected to take us anywhere. I must say that we had a country that had a number of problems. We had a problem with infrastructure, roads, water services, electricity, and telephone communications. However, today I am proud to say to you that we have overcome all of our infrastructure, and utility problems and on top of that, we have some of the best roads in the Caribbean, here on the island of Nevis.” The premier announced the list of activities for the St. Kitts – Nevis Independence Silver Jubilee: Sept. 13th Food Fair and Caribbean Wellness Day Sept. 14th Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving Sept. 15th Elocution contest among primary school students Sept.16th Celebration of Nevisians who made contributions with an award ceremony. Sept. 17th Schools Patriotic Program with treats Sept. 18th Combined schools concert Sept. 19th Ceremonial Parade, Drag racing and Tempo Concert Sept. 20th- 20/20 Cricket- Nevis vs. St. Kitts. The premier told the audience about the improvements brought to Nevis by his party’s government. On Nevis today, the island has a water system where every household can boast of having running water 24 hours a day, he said. “”We have every reason to be proud, especially since last month the Nevis Reformation Party led Nevis Island Administration has implemented one million gallons of water into the system,” said the Premier.”” “On the issue of electricity, the premier said he is proud that Nevis has a son of the soil, Mr. Cartwright Farrell, as the manager of the Nevis Electricity Department , where he has exhibited great service to the people of Nevis. During Premier Parry’s speech, he thanked the First Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Simeon Daniel for his role in the progress of education on Nevis. The Nevis Reformation Party under the leadership of Simeon Daniel made education its first priority. Pre-schools became established in Charlestown, Gingerland and in St. Thomas, he said.” A sixth Form became established in Nevis and every Nevisian gained access to a secondary education, it was the first for Nevis and it was a first for the OECS, according to Premier Parry. The premier also addressed land reform and housing stating that the first serious land reform program was a result of the government of Nevis under the Nevis Reformation Party some 25 years ago. It was done to assure that the people of Nevis were able to purchase land at an affordable price, he said. “”The government of Nevis continues its program of home construction of affordable homes and more Lands will be available soon in Simmonds, Jessups, Cotton Ground, St. John’s, St. James and St. Paul’s, so that any progress that Nevis receives will be given to all,” he said. On agriculture, The premier that Nevis was among the first to provide a marketing department and an irrigation system, which has assisted farmers to sell their products to the Four Seasons Resort and other local markets. Then Premier Parry looked ahead. “”What will be the centrepiece for the future of Nevis?” Premier Parry asked the audience. “The answer was geothermal energy, which will lead to cheaper electricity bills, more jobs and royalties from the selling of the geothermal resource to other islands in the region, he said. “Geothermal energy in Nevis will be revolutionary and it will change the face of this island in a big and positive way,”” he said.
