PM Terrance Drew visits New York for 79th session of United Nations General Assembly

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew is actively participating at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. PM Drew is attending several meetings and exchanging significant dialogues with a vision to bolster global cooperation and tackle challenges being faced by Small Island Developing States.

The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly marks a huge milestone in the international effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It outlines the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to address challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.

The challenges being faced by SIDS includes, climate change, poverty and inequality, while also tackling the impacts of ongoing conflicts and global health crises.

On his visit to New York, the Prime Minister’s first engagement was with the people at the Kittitians and Nevisians Association (KANA) 10th Annual Independence Breakfast. This breakfast was conducted at the Nativity Ballroom, 3061 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx, New York.

While sharing the glimpses of the breakfast, PM Drew stated that he was honored to present awards for service to country to four distinguished nationals: Mr Euriel Williams, Ms Avril Francis, Mr Eustace Queeley, and Mr Aubrey Webster.

PM Drew added that these four individuals have always been instrumental in various sectors including education, community service, and international advocacy. This event was served as platform for both Kittitians and Nevisians to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the vibrant and rich cultural heritage of the island nation.

Following that, Prime Minister, Dr Terrance Drew paid a courtesy call on United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres. During his visit, he discussed several issues which have been facing by the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The problems that were discussed by both the leaders includes, impact of climate change, the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), and the need for concessional funding. Both the leaders shed light on the significance of global collaboration in addressing the challenges which are posed by climate change.

After that, PM Terrance Drew led an Independence Diaspora Dialogue and engaged with the nationals of St Kitts and Nevis on 21st September 2024. The event was conducted at Maestro’s, 1703 Bronxdale Avenue with a vision to bring nationals of the country together in a vibrant exchange of ideas, vision, and patriotism.

The Prime Minister shared several pictures of the event and stated that they held discussions on several topics of national interest. While emphasizing on the topics discussed, PM Drew asserted that he focused on the critical role that the diaspora plays in the national development.

With this significant exchanging of dialogues, the diasporas were given an opportunity to hear directly from their nation’s leaders on issues being faced by the nation. The discussions also shed light on the role that these diasporas can play towards the development of the nation.

PM Terrance Drew noted that he encourages all those citizens to continue to contributing to the nation’s progress, even while residing abroad.

“I also highlighted that the last three guest speakers at the Prime Minister’s Independence Lecture Series came from the diaspora, underscoring our commitment to their active involvement in nation-building,” noted PM Terrance Drew.