Parry was at the time addressing invitees at the Premier’s Gala, held at the Four Seasons Resort, in Charlestown, on Saturday night, (15th January,2011).
In an obvious reference to the once tumultuous days of the 1970s that saw constant political battles between the people of Nevis and the Labour Party Administration, the Premier told the gathering that, “The days of First National Hero, The Right Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw and the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party are not the days of him and Dr Douglas.”
There were many in the audience who could relate to the Premier’s words, remembering that, at one point, the distrust between Labour and the Nevis Reformation Party and even Parry himself, was at such a poor state, that Parry had refused to invite then Premier Bradshaw to his wedding, even though the bride was a close relative of the Labour leader.
“They were not our days and our experiences and the changes in the Caribbean and in the world, have dictated that we need to get on. The movements with China and America and Britain and France and Germany and even Russia, indicate that if former bitter enemies can work together, why can’t we?” asked Premier Parry.
He said that no one should be allowed to make an issue of the relationship between Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas and himself as the Premier of Nevis.
“We are both working for the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. We have done great things together and there are many great things for us to do. Those who wish to go backward, those who wish to talk about the past, they can do so, but if you were to check their records, you will find out, when (past leaders) were fighting secession, you could not find them,” said the Premier.
“You will find out that we were never fighting for the independence of Nevis, we were fighting to go back to Britain and thank God we did not succeed, because we would have the problem that Anguilla has today. Do you know that today, we have more power in Nevis than Anguilla has in Anguilla? , asked Premier Parry.
He pointed out that Prime Minister Douglas has a job to do in St. Kitts, and as Premier, he has a job to do in Nevis “and together we are going to make merry music in this country.”
Meanwhile, in his brief remarks, while moving a toast, Prime Minister Douglas said, “The working relationship between the Federal Government…and the Nevis Island Administration (NIA)… is being credited for the significant strides in the social and economic development of the island of Nevis.”
Dr. Douglas noted that he has been in office for the last 16 years and “There has been in the last nearly five years, a particular relationship that I had never experience before, as Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
“I say it really from my heart. I do not intend to get involved in the local politics, but I must express myself truthfully as I do, at all times,” said Douglas.
Dr. Douglas emphasised that “under the leadership of Joseph Parry, unlike (previously) where there had been on occasion’s uncertainty, where there might have been strife and division, under his leadership, there is definitely a positive feeling for the future.”
“Harmony and unity are terms which I would like to describe the relationship that exists today between the Nevis Island Administration and the Federal government,” said Dr. Douglas.
He said that the uncertainties in the economy are slowly ebbing away and the future of St. Kitts and Nevis, in terms of its economic and social development and use of the new technology that is available to people around the world in sustaining the development of St. Kitts and Nevis, is assured.
“Tonight, I end this toast by saying that I pray to the Almighty God that Joseph Parry will continue to have His blessings, will continue to have strength, health, the capacity and finally the support of the people of Nevis to continue on the path of economic and social development that we are experiencing today in St. Kitts and Nevis,” concluded the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Former five-term United States Virgin Islands Senator, Nevisian-born the Hon. Roosevelt David, in his keynote address, also referred to the relationship between the current leaders of the Federal Government and the Nevis Island Administration.
“The relationship that has been fostered by the Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas and the Hon. Joseph Parry, has created an indomitable team that is on its way to building a legacy of exponential magnitude; this Nation will never be the same,” said Sen. David.