Expo 2020 Dubai: PM Timothy Harris leads a high-level delegation at National Day celebrations

Gurdip Dev Bath
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris at Expo 2020 Dubai on Tuesday 16 November 2021.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: St Kitts and Nevis commemorated its National Day on Tuesday at Expo 2020 Dubai. Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris highlighted that after the closure forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is now open for business.

Prime Minister led a high-level delegation from St Kitts and Nevis, including – Eugene Hamilton- Minister of Social Development and Gender Affairs, Ambassador Ian MacDonald Liburd- the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Gurdip Dev Bath- Special Representative of St Kitts and Nevis.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayacelebraten- Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of EXPO 2020 was also present at the National Day Event of St Kitts and Nevis at the Expo.

“We are a small nation with – big ambitions,” the prime minister cited during his address, outlining that St Kitts and Nevis is restructuring its policies and investments, focusing on wind, solar and geothermal energy to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels.

Prime Minister further informed that the twin-island Federation is building the largest solar farms in the Caribbean region. He said St Kitts and Nevis government is focusing on introducing state-of-the-art tools plus first-class service with the motive to modify and strengthen its’ national healthcare system.

Gurdip Dev Bath
High- level delegation of St Kitts and Nevis at Expo 2020 Dubai

He then appreciated and thanked the UAE government for their support in facilitating St. Kitts and Nevis’ participation in EXPO 2020, noting, “For several small developing states, the progress and success of the United Arab Emirates represents a great source of inspiration”.

“I am heartened by the fact that the United Arab Emirates has long been a friend to – St Kitts and Nevis, & I look forward to working to strengthen the solid bonds of friendship & cooperation that join our nations, advance our common interests & facilitate collaboration”.

Gurdip Dev Bath
Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris with delegation from St Kitts and Nevis

Prime Minister Harris said that Expo 2020 is the best platform to bring the people together. He said it is an opportunity to exchange ideas & create possibilities and showcase the rich culture, heritage, & history of one nation.

“I commend UAE government for its visionary & progressive leadership – a vision, realised in partnership with Small Island Developing States – (SIDS) like St Kitts and Nevis – via which we are allowed an opportunity to showcase on a – global stage the ambitions of our people; the road we are on; our history; cultural heritage; technological advancement, and opportunities for development and investment in key sectors,” said the Prime Minister.

Following the statement, he added that EXPO 2020 is the “ideal space and catalyst” for the nations to strengthen their settled partnerships and build a new one.

“We thank the UAE for providing a safe environment for participating countries to work and operate our pavilion. Thank you, Your Excellency – Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, for this visionary leadership and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi – Minister of State and International Cooperation, for assisting to translate that vision into reality.

The prime minister then highlighted that the “Women Pavilion” at the EXPO 2020 is a gleaming instance and throws an urgent light on women’s issues worldwide.

While calling St Kitts and Nevis “two islands but one paradise”, the prime minister noted that its eco-friendly tourism sector is one that not only permits visitors to enjoy nature, superb hospitality but also gives an authentic paradise experience.

Concluding his address, he thanked countries for their support, “I delight in sharing that the Republic of China (Taiwan), like the UAE, has been a sterling partner of St. Kitts and Nevis. This partnership has spanned the 38 years of our existence as an independent nation”.

Taiwan has assisted the twin-island Federation in the sectors such as – renewable energy, environmental conservation, public health; agriculture and food security; education, and technology, and several others, the prime minister added, noting that this support offers the island a pathway to progress towards sustainable development.

“I invite everyone to take a virtual hike or a leisurely walk through our nature trails, our rainforest, or simply take a relaxing and reinvigorating stroll along our beaches. We stand ready to welcome UAE visitors to our Federation, where you can enjoy our paradise on earth. Follow your hearts to St. Kitts and Nevis and live a once in a lifetime experience,” PM Harris concluded while inviting the people to visit the Caribbean paradise.