Many citizens have questioned the need for such an office, while others have enquired about the costs that would be associated with such entity.

However, the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas said he is not aware of what it is costing the government, to open the office. He did not indicate who else in the administration may have such figures.

However, he explained that the consulate should be opened sometime between September and October, indicating that the process had been on hold because of a religious observation currently taking place in Arabic countries.

The office space has already been secured and the contract signed, stated the Minister of Finance and Prime Minister.

Douglas indicated that though he is unaware of the costs involved, the government is well advanced in its plans and are now waiting for the official opening of the Consulate,”

Though a Consul General had already been appointed, he stated that Kittitians and Nevisians, as well as Emiratis are needed to work as support staff for the Consulate.

The establishment of such an office in Dubai came under heavy scrutiny by the general public especially after it was made known that the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sam Condor, was unaware that plans had been finalized and details had been confirmed regarding the launch of the new facility.

This eventually led to a public fallout between Condor and his Prime Minister, with supporters of Condor coming to his defense, suggesting that he should resign from the Cabinet.

One other key development that was said to have widened the gap of disagreement between the Prime Minister and his Foreign Affairs Minister was the appointment of the mother of the children and close personal associate of the Prime Minister. The Minister of Foreign Affairs had stated publicly that he was not consulted on the appointment. 

The TDC group of companies once again demonstrated just how committed they are to the nation’s youth by offering the 2012 Warren Tyson Memorial Scholarships to the new high school students, during a ceremony on Saturday 1^st September, 2012, at the company’s headquarters on Fort Street.

Former scholarship recipient and guest speaker on Saturday, Londy Esdaille, encouraged the participants to place great value in the award.

She also told them, many of whom were accompanied by their parents, to strive to do what they are inspired to, and that the values they learnt in school should help them to achieve their goals. 

Remarks also came from TDC Director Nick Menon, who gave an overview of the programme and outlined that lawyers, doctors, psychologists as well as a number of TDC’s staff members, have all been products of this programme. 

He also encouraged the new students to be the very best, well rounded individuals they can be.

Chairman of TDC, Mr. Michael Morton assured the recipients that the company sees this programme as critically important to the development of the nation’s children. 

He added that he is happy the company can boast of a programme that is doing so well.

Morton also encouraged the recipients to seize the opportunity and to look at it as a stepping stone for tomorrow.

The Warren C. Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme is in its 31st year and is designed to assist and support the students entering secondary schools.

The students are eligible to receive financial assistance throughout their secondary and tertiary education and are afforded the opportunity to work at TDC during their vacations and on weekends. 

The students also receive a stipend while at work.

Over 190 students have benefitted from this programme offered by TDC over the 31 years.

The new scholarship students are Akeema Jones of the Basseterre High School, Lesroy Queeley Jr. of Verchilds High School, Annica Carey of Saddlers Secondary, Rheyanna Davis of Cayon High School, Namibia Clavier of Washington Archibald High School, Petrez Williams of the Charles E. Mills Secondary School, Dhakiya Liburd of the Charlestown Secondary School in Nevis and Laquianna Daniel of the Gingerland Secondary School also from Nevis.