St. Kitts – Nevis
February 08, 2008
Diplomatic Week 2008 embodies the very aspirations of the people of St. Kitts & Nevis and in fact the peoples of the world. It enables the Federation to engage the world in a tone of cooperation through dialogue and discussions with friends and allies. The climate of international affairs necessitates a proactive and vigorous foreign policy. With that reality, Diplomatic Week aims to realize, in fruitful terms, the urgency of emboldening our foreign policy by convening strategic partners to hear the positions of St. Kitts & Nevis and explore ways of maximizing benefits from international relations and building partnerships for mutual advantage.
To ensure that this Diplomatic Week records a resounding success that redounds to the citizenry of this beautiful land, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade has scheduled a program that comprehensively incorporates its mandate of advancing the national and international agenda of the Federation.
As a society strongly grounded in faith, the week commences with a church service to be held on the 17th February at 9.00 am at the Estridge Moravian Church in Mansion.
This is followed by a closed retreat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic and consular representatives. A lecture will be presented by H.E Dr. Harriet L. Elam-Thomas, Retired U.S Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal and the Director of Diplomacy at the University of Central Florida.
On Monday the 18th, an official opening ceremony will be held to welcome all delegates to Diplomatic Week and to the shores of St. Kitts & Nevis. Following the opening ceremony, the delegates and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will engage each other through panel discussions and presentations.
On Tuesday afternoon, a Private Sector Forum, hosted by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs will bolster the program and allow the corporate citizens to indulge in exchanges of mutual interests. A mini-exhibition of Products manufactured here in the Federation will be on display throughout the day at OTI.
Wednesday commences with the Ambassadors/High Commissioners of St. Kitts & Nevis making special visits to schools throughout both islands to enlighten students about international relations and the role of diplomats in national development.
Throughout the week, newly appointed Heads of Missions accredited to the Federation will be afforded the opportunity to present their credentials to the Governor-General, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian and the Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas.
The highlight of the week takes place on Wednesday evening at 7.30 pm in which The Most Honourable P.J Patterson On, PC, QC, former Prime Minister of Jamaica presents on “Building Partnerships for Mutual Advantage: An imperative for Small Island States” at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium at the ECCB. The public is invited to be enlightened by this reputable and experienced Caribbean and world renowned statesman.
The week concludes on Thursday with the airing of a recorded/TV program that features a roundtable of Ambassadors of the Federation and those accredited to us taking questions from the general public. We look forward to a very energetic questions and discussions as we seek to bridge the divide between diplomats, diplomacy and individuals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade thanks the government and citizens of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis for their unwavering support in its effort to engage the world, build partnerships and contribute to the development of our beloved land of beauty.