Staff writer Eunice Nisbett
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2012 (SKNIS): The weight of responsibility that St. Kitts and Nevis has as a member of the international community was stressed by Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, the Federation’s Ambassador to the United States, during a recent appearance on “The Next Word” with Dr. Christine Warnke.
Ambassador Henry-Martin, who is also the Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), highlighted the impact of the voting process in forums such as the United Nations and the OAS General Assembly noting peace promotion, fairness, and democracy as key components when she appeared on Montgomery Municipal Cable Channel 16.
Ambassador Jacinth Henry Martin
“We take the power of that vote as an opportunity to express the (principles) of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis; to make our voice heard on issues that are of interest to us; and we also use that vote to support those that endorse and promote – in the measure that they can as larger countries – the interest of St. Kitts and Nevis,” she stated. “So we take our vote very seriously because we know that it is – despite our size – something that is larger than we are as a small nation.”
St. Kitts and Nevis has played a prominent role in promoting key issues relevant to the sub-region and the world, on the international level. These include climate change and its impact on small island developing states, the danger of chronic non communicable diseases to the world’s population, food security, renewable energy, arms control and non proliferation, and advocating for the Republic of China (Taiwan) to have full participatory membership in the international arena.
Dr Warnke interviews Amb Henry-Martin
“… We are very, very honoured to sit at the decision making tables around the world and to vote as a proud representative of the peoples of the world, because that’s what we do when we vote as part of the OAS or as part of the United Nations,” Ambassador Henry-Martin stressed. “We ensure that the voice of the people of our tiny Federation is as loud as any other voice around the world.”
The diplomat also invited viewers of the programme aired in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia to learn more about St. Kitts and Nevis and explore the unique tourism offerings as well as the many investment opportunities in areas such as renewable energy.
Excerpts from “The Next Word” were aired on this week’s edition of SKNIS’ radio programme Perspectives. The full interview will be broadcast on ZIZ Television next week.
