St. Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew delivered a National Statement at the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held on Friday, September 27, 2024.
The UNGA 79 address included the topics such as Sustainable Future, security of the nation, multidimensional vulnerability index, global sustainable island summit 2025, and global governance.
Considering his address, PM Drew shared the video on his social media handle and invited people to watch it. He said that they stand at a crossroads. They can no longer afford the luxury of inaction.
Referring to the video, PM Drew stated that they must meet the moment with the courage that it demands. They must reject business as usual and embrace a new path forward. He said that they should consider the one that values people over profit and one that prioritizes the planet over power.
According to the prime minister, they all are stewards of the fragile world. The rising tides do not respect the orders and the fires of conflict burnt without discrimination.
Dr. Drew asked further that for St. Kitts and Nevis, for the Caribbean, for every small island nation whose future hangs in the balance, to stand with them. Let the voices rise alike the oceans that surround them, the powerful and unyielding, calling for a future where peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of sustainability of hope.
He quoted, “Together, let us seize this moment and shape the future. Together, let us stand proud and strong.”
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis has issued a compelling call to action. The call was for global leaders, organisations and institutions, which were there to unite in pursuit of a sustainable future for both current and future coming generations.
Drew touched on several critical themes during his national statement such as Rising Tides, rising Threats, where he noted that he lived reality in the Caribbean that saw rising tides washing away the hopes and unforgiving heat and the future to the abyss.
He emphasised that the security and sustainability are inextricably linked as security, which is more than an absence of conflict and must reflect the presence of dignity, of justice and hope.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Drew explained that when they say leaving no one behind is like acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations, then it is not a hollow phrase.
PM Drew mentioned that this must be a sacred commitment and a pledge to every soul that comes from the wealthiest nation to the smallest island state. He expressed the connection between the North and South region and stated further that when the waters rise in the South, even the North will eventually drown. When the fire burn in the North, the South too will choke from the smoke. He added, for it is one Planet; one Human Race.
He also highlighted the success of the Caribbean-led Argyle Declaration, that helped de-escalate tensions between Guyana and Venezuela and fostered productive dialogue. It emphasised the importance of engagement through dialogue and cooperation.
Drew also reiterated the call for an unconditional ceasefire of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Gaza and commended the work of the National Transitional Council. The Council is working diligently to find a peaceful political solution, in order to end gang violence in Haiti.