Earth Day Message to the Nation from the Political Leader of the St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party, Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas

April 22, 2020

My fellow citizens and residents,

Today, I join with the international community to observe Earth Day.

Here in St. Kitts and Nevis we are so very blessed to be surrounded by the beauty of nature. From our majestic and lush mountain vistas to our crystal waters, diverse animal species and sparkling sunshine, our people should never take for granted how wonderfully blessed we are.

I know that counting our blessings is difficult to do at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the worst public health crisis our nation has ever seen and threatens to decimate our tourism-dependent economy.

However, we should always treasure our natural environment and always be thankful for the clean air we breathe, the fertile soil that provides us with nutritious fruits and vegetables that boost our immunity and the tranquillity of our beaches that brings calmness to our minds and spirits. We should reflect on these blessings and appreciate these gifts of nature that God has provided to us that will help us to endure, survive and overcome this latest challenge.

Therefore, even during this crisis we must continue to take the steps to protect our environment and to teach our children how to conserve water and electricity. We should practice re-using or eliminating plastics.

Climate Change poses the largest existential threat to our nation’s health. As we approach another Hurricane season let us begin to prepare for any disaster that may come even as we beseech the Almighty to spare our land yet another year.

This year, families are going to observe Earth Day in a different way because we are all called upon to stay home. However, this does not mean we cannot try to do our part through small acts to appreciate and protect our natural beauty and our environment.

I want to thank all our workers who provide essential services who put their lives at risk to keep our island clean and beautiful, such as our sanitation officers and our parks and beaches clean-up crews. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

While our number one focus right now is to win the battle with COVID-19 we will not neglect our environment. As we look towards the future in a post-COVID dispensation we must adapt to the new norm and build resilience in our economy in ways that would make life more affordable for families and protect our environment.

Under a NextGen SKN our great Federation will become first again by investing heavily in our agricultural sector, eco-tourism and renewable energy technologies. This is the pathway towards putting our people back to work and creating a brighter, cleaner and healthier future for everyone.

On behalf of the NextGen SKN Labour Party team of candidates, I wish you all a Happy Earth Day!