分类： politics

Basseterre, St. Kitts – On September 16, 2025, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew led the nation in honoring its National Heroes during the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the National Heroes Park. The event, held on the 42nd Anniversary of Independence, served as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the Federation’s five National Heroes. Dr. Drew urged citizens to reflect on their legacy while committing to building a sustainable and prosperous future. He emphasized that the struggles of these heroes were not confined to political arenas but also took place in fields, villages, and classrooms, where ordinary individuals dared to dream of liberty and justice. Dr. Drew highlighted that the modern challenge is no longer colonialism but securing a future where no young person feels left behind, workers earn fair wages, entrepreneurs innovate, and families thrive. Aligning the commemoration with this year’s Independence theme, “Perpetual Progress – A Sustainable Future in View: Independence 42,” the Prime Minister stressed that true sustainability encompasses not only environmental concerns but also the well-being of people. He called on citizens to embody the values of the National Heroes through service, courage, and love for country. The ceremony concluded with wreaths laid in honor of Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, Sir Joseph Nathaniel France, Sir Simeon Daniel, and the Rt. Excellent Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.

Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis, though separated by vast oceans, share a profound commitment to democracy, resilience, and fairness—values that should underpin the United Nations (UN). Yet, the voices of Taiwan’s 23 million people remain stifled within the UN, a glaring injustice that undermines the organization’s universality. As Martin Luther King Jr. once declared, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Taiwan’s exclusion is not just a local issue but a global concern, depriving the world of a vibrant democracy and a technological powerhouse. Taiwan produces over 60% of the world’s semiconductor chips and leads in public health, information technology, and sustainable development. However, a misinterpretation of the 1971 UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which addressed China’s representation but never mentioned Taiwan, continues to bar its participation. This exclusion contradicts the UN’s founding principles and hampers its ability to tackle global challenges. St. Kitts and Nevis has been a steadfast ally, advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in international forums and demonstrating the transformative power of principled partnerships in education, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development. Taiwan’s absence from the UN is akin to a cricket team benching its best bowler—a loss for the Caribbean and the world, especially in areas like medical support, disaster relief, and sustainable development. As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary and the Sustainable Development Goals deadline looms, Taiwan’s inclusion is essential. St. Kitts and Nevis’s moral leadership in championing Taiwan’s cause reaffirms that justice is not the privilege of the powerful but the right of the principled. As a Caribbean proverb goes, ‘One hand can’t clap.’ Taiwan extends its hand, seeking global collaboration for peace, democracy, and prosperity.

WASHINGTON, DC – Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister and incoming Chair of CARICOM, has emphasized the need for tangible steps to strengthen the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean. Speaking at the African Union-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Drew highlighted the importance of enhancing trade, investment, and partnerships between the two regions. The summit, themed ‘Transcontinental Partnership in Pursuit of Reparatory Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,’ aims to address shared priorities such as reparations, multilateral cooperation, and economic reform. Dr. Drew urged leaders to move beyond rhetoric and focus on actionable outcomes, stressing the urgency of collaboration in areas like transport, trade, and cultural exchanges. He also called for transforming the historical legacy of slavery into a foundation for unity and progress. With support from Afreximbank, regional leaders are exploring untapped market potential between Africa and the Caribbean, where current trade accounts for less than 1 percent.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has raised alarms over the recent US military strike on a Venezuelan drug vessel, warning of potential regional tensions. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), emphasized the Caribbean’s commitment to maintaining peace amidst escalating military activities. Speaking to Freedom FM’s News Desk, Dr. Douglas disclosed that CARICOM foreign ministers convened last week to address the increased US military presence in Caribbean waters, a move tied to Washington’s broader strategy against terrorism and ‘narco-terrorism.’ The strike, which resulted in 11 fatalities, has drawn mixed reactions across the region. While Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar openly supported the operation, Guyana’s stance remains less explicit. Dr. Douglas stressed the Caribbean’s shared concern over illegal arms trafficking and its impact on regional stability. The US Southern Command’s deployment underscores Washington’s focus on curbing drug trafficking, a long-standing issue in the Caribbean. CARICOM plans to reassess the situation soon to evaluate its broader implications for the region.