St Kitts and Nevis: PM Terrance Drew congratulates former PM Dr Denzil Douglas for 34 years of service

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister and the Minister of Health of St Kitts and Nevis, extended warm greetings and thankfulness towards Dr Denzil L Douglas through his official social media handle for the successful completion of 34 years of service. Dr Douglas, who has been regarded as the longest-serving PM in the history of the twin-island nation, has completed more than 30 years as a member of the parliament of St Kitts and Nevis.

On this special occasion, the current Prime Minister of the twin-island Federation, Terrance Drew, praised and lauded him for his dedication and commitment towards the growth and development of the country and its people. He further emphasised that Dr Douglas’ continuous work helped the country in achieving deserving recognition across the world.

As per the update shared by the Prime Minister, “34 years of service as a member of parliament, let us salute the Dr Denzil L. Douglas for his ongoing dedication and commitment towards the advancement of his constituency, people and nation which truly deserves spotlight recognition.” While concluding, he congratulated the former Prime Minister and mentioned, “Congratulations, comrade Dr Douglas!”

Dr Denzil Douglas, officially known as Dr Denzil Llewellyn Douglas, has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served in the capacity of the Prime Minister from 1995 to 2015. However, following the longest term, he was elected the Leader of the Opposition of St Kitts and Nevis. Additionally, he has worked as the Leader of St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) from 1989 to 2021.

Besides this, many citizens, as well as residents, came along to pour congratulatory wishes upon the Minister. One of the users, named Don Grant, took to social media and shared a lengthy post praising Dr Douglas. His social media post read, “No other politician opens so many gates in every community or constituency. I saw him make politicians out of the least likely candidates.”

He added, “Every constituency benefited from his leadership, and households were changed for the better. The housing revolution and the 1000 jobs experience empowered the poor of various communities. College graduates grew under his leadership without discrimination, and the sugarcane worker’s daughters and sons became doctors, nurses, economists, dentists, engineers etc. The landscape saw a change from sugar to tourism. No man is perfect, but The Right Honourable Dr Denzil Douglas bought meaningful development and change during his 34 years in active politics. Those years bought hope to the people of #6 and, by extension, the Federation.”

Another user, Gealta Langley, noted, “The Man who powered up and empowered his people, especially those from the grassroots up!!! March 21, 1989, he was a First Time Candidate and captured 78% of the VOTES in his Constituency #6 and highest in the Federation. He also participated in the general elections of 1993, 2000, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2022 and each time got the Highest Popular Votes per Constituency in the Federation.”

The social media post further read, “The 2022 General Elections was by no means different; again, he captured over 82% of the Popular Votes, the Highest in the Federation. He has served his People while in Government and out of Government. He’s a People person and a human being like all of us. He is also very humble, compassionate, caring, articulate, competent, visionary and has integrity. The Landscape of SKN and People Lives he’s transformed, whether you’re from the Rural Areas or the Town, Labour or not, provided opportunities for ALL. He did it all with Love and Compassion because he truly Cares. Now on his 34th anniversary as a Member of Parliament, we salute, appreciate, applaud and congratulate, The Rt Hon Dr Denzil L Douglas for his Wisdom, Vision and God Given Leadership Abilities over the years to present. Hip, Hip Horrah DLD, Happy Anniversary!”