London, 17th January 2023 Foreign Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr Denzil Douglas, who is in London on a working visit, was at the House of Commons today where he participated in the launch of the first-ever All-Party Parliamentary Group dedicated to St. Kitts-Nevis. Dr. Douglas thanked the cross-party MPs for their commitment to work with St. Kitts-Nevis to build greater awareness among MPs and across Parliament; as well as to sensitize Parliament to the priorities of St. Kitts-Nevis. “We believe that this is an important opportunity for St. Kitts and Nevis to create a more meaningful pragmatic partnership with the UK”.

Foreign Minister Douglas also visited the House of Lords and the House of Commons, where he listened to a debate to familiarise himself with the work of the current Parliament. FM Douglas remarked that “this year marks 40 years of independence for St. Kitts and Nevis, and although many had questioned the viability of small states, St. Kitts and Nevis remains a striking example that small is not synonymous with dependency and mendicancy; we are, however, open to forging new partnerships that allow us to realise our sustainable development ambitions”.

Additionally, given the decision of government to prioritise sports as an integral tool for Development. Foreign Minister Douglas also held a meeting with the Leader of the Birmingham City Council, which played a critical role in the recent Commonwealth Games, to explore how that city and its legacy programs for sports, can be used to assist the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in the development of local Sports Academies, promote training, mentorships, and access academic scholarships.

In his capacity as Investment Minister, Dr Douglas also met with potential investors keen to better understand the opportunities for investment in St. Kitts and Nevis.