BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, AUGUST 30TH 2005 (CUOPM) – Services is going to play a leading role in the new economy of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas, speaking at the recent opening of the St. Theresa’s Medical University, said his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Government has formulated and articulated a very clear economic development policy, that is not only diversified, but a services-oriented economy that can be sustained.
“The new economy hinges the development of this country, not only on diversified agriculture, not only on the support of a small manufacturing sector, but in pursuit of services, especially in hospitality, tourism, information technology and international financial services,” said Prime Minister Douglas, in explaining why government is encouraging the establishment of medical schools in the Federation.
Stressing that services is going to be that leading sector within the new economy, Prime Minister Douglas said St. Kitts and Nevis offers an attractive cost-benefit ratio that ultimately translates into greater affordability for students.
“As a small island developing country, it is necessary for us to diversify our own economic activities to ensure that we can sustain sustainable growth and development for all of our people; and fourthly, our environment provides a great opportunity for the shaping of student experiences that should, in time, influence the nature of medical service and the nature of your own disposition towards the service of others,” said Prime Minister Douglas in his feature address.
The opening of the St. Theresa’s Medical University, brings to five the number of medical institutions accredited and operating on St. Kitts. The other four are Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, the International University of the Health Sciences, Windsor University School of Medicine and the International University of Nursing, which opened in May this year.
The Medical University of the Americas operates on Nevis.
Photo: St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil L. Douglas speaking at the official opening of the St. Theresa's Medical University (Erasmus Williams)