YouSaid · the spoken record

Timothy S. Harris

lines on the record: 63
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2020-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The UN creates the perfect environment to marry collective action and solidarity with multilateralism. We welcome the UN 2020 future possibilities report which provides a good guide on how governments can make certain changes to their economies now. However, there must be much more dialogue and commitment if we are to experience real change. The gravity of the pandemic has been laid out in several United Nations resolutions on COVID-19 and while we take action on them all in the General Assembly Hall, let us remember and commit to what they all about, while remembering at the same time that we all rise on the same tide! I thank you.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“At this time more than ever vulnerable Nations must be free to access Cuba’s expertise in health, and a myriad of other areas of global concern. Mr. President, Conclusion This has been a very difficult year of, but it also must be the year we can recommit to the United Nations and its ideals. We must through comprehensive reforms make the UN system fit for purpose. We will have to look beyond antiquated frameworks and look to new socio-economic models and rely on global cooperation to build a better world. Global threats to people and the planet are multiplying and the United Nations, in its 75th year, must be resilient and innovative to help in this crisis and future crises. Strengthening global solidarity and cooperation is paramount for the U.N.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In our view, the international community has been deprived of the gift of true partnership offered by the 23.5 million people of Taiwan. My hope is that Taiwan can be included in the UN system, particularly the WHO — its meetings, mechanisms and activities thereby improving the global response and resources available to address transboundary crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The exclusion of Taiwan — its experience, expertise and resources, leaves a partial vacuum in the global response to COVID-19. The World Health Organisation can only benefit from the inclusion of such a worthy member. Equally, the existence of the antiquated embargo against Cuba flies against the spirit of global partnerships which we desire in the future.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Global Health Partnerships Mr. President, St Kitts and Nevis once again renews its call for Taiwan’s inclusion in this international fraternity of Nations. The Republic of China (Taiwan) remains a valuable partner for peace, prosperity and development with the fullest respect for international law. Taiwan has stayed true to its longstanding traditions and has remained a true partner in in fight against COVID-19. We have seen first-hand Taiwan’s exemplary management of the pandemic within its own borders and we have been impressed by its willingness to help vulnerable states around the world. Taiwan has assisted many states in combatting this unprecedented health pandemic by sending more than 51 Million surgical masks as well as other medical equipment to more than 80 countries.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, As we continue to hail the contribution of women to the socio economic landscape of our country and the world at large, we are pleased to join in the commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women next week. Earlier this year, we commenced our examination of the national implementation of the Beijing Declaration. The findings revealed that our Federation has much to celebrate regarding the advancement of women over the past 25 years; but there is still much ground yet to be covered, and many trails yet to be blazed. Through the implementation of our National Gender Policy and other legislation and focused attention on Beijing Declaration’s 12th Action Point — The Girl Child, we will continue to prioritise our pursuit of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I look forward to joining my SIDS colleagues at the High-level Summit on Biodiversity to champion the cause for us to protect our biodiversity not just on land but on our high seas. For St Kitts and Nevis, the ocean is our lifeblood. Let us protect it, to preserve a stronger and safer future. Food Security The Food Systems Summit to be held next year is timely, since our current inadequacies, as exposed by the pandemic, demand a vigorous examination of our strategies for food production and nutrition security. I am particularly encouraged by the positive response of Kittitians and Nevisians in answering the call of my Government to strengthen our food security by scaling up our investments in agriculture and fisheries. 25th Anniversary of Fourth World Conference on Women Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Climate change for us is not something to be postponed for tomorrow. It must be addressed like yesterday. We must regain the momentum and continue our work to consolidate the gains made. High-level Summit on Biodiversity Mr. President, Earlier this month the UN warned that countries are set to miss critical targets to preserve and protect earth’s biodiversity. This requires immediate and drastic action. We are therefore pleased to advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 15, which calls for us to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Advanced countries and the international financial institutions must respond positively to the call for concessional resources if we are to reshape our economies for a post-COVID-19 world, and return to the path to sustainable growth and development. Given our economic and environmental vulnerabilities as a small island developing state, we are likely to be confronted with the multiplier effect of the pandemic, particularly as we brace for the most intense segment of the Hurricane Season. Climate Change Mr. President, St Kitts and Nevis is the smallest independent nation in the western hemisphere and the impact of climate change weighs heavily on our daily lives. At this point in time, we are in the most active part of the hurricane season at the mercy of mother nature and for this reason climate change will always be high on our agenda.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“People living with NCDs are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and are amongst the most affected by the disease. Climate Change, NCDs and COVID-19 are inter-linked symptoms that something is awry with planet earth. Mr. President, Economic impact The novel coronavirus disease has disrupted international travel and tourism, global supply chains, industrial and commercial operations and created widespread unemployment. This unprecedented situation will inevitably stymie our chances of achieving the sustainable development goals. Financing for Development Multilateral assistance is essential for countries such as ours when faced with global challenges. Our fiscal resources are limited and have been severely tested in this particular instance. Now, the call for concessional financing is louder and stronger than ever before.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Kitts and Nevis and COVID-19 Pandemic St. Kitts and Nevis has been successful in containing the spread of the COVID-19 within its borders. Our twin island Federation has been fortunate to record a low infection rate, with zero deaths and have an R-value below 1. We have a success story to tell the World. The implementation of a national response mechanism, comprising of the establishment of a national emergency coordination committee, closure of our borders to nonessential travel, the imposition of restrictions on the physical movement of people within our borders, as well as the promotion of protective wear and a robust public awareness campaign all played an exceptional role in our considerable success. COVID-19 reminds us that our fight to eliminate non communicable diseases must be stepped up.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“I congratulate the World Health Organisation for its stewardship of the global response to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. We as CARICOM states reaffirm our support for the WHO framework “Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A). This global collaborative framework provides a solid global response to defeat the pandemic by the rapid development, scale up and equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics under pinned by the strengthening of our health systems. Instead of nationalism we need global cooperation in the fight to defeat COVID-19. We commend the all of society approach that has worked so very well in the context of St Kitts and Nevis. Every stakeholder group has played their role in combating COVID-19 here. The World needs all Nations large and small to work together for mutual success. St.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“President, The year 2020 has taught us as a people, nation and indeed an interconnected world that the time for mutual reliance is upon us and that we need each other now more than ever if we are to rebuild and strengthen the socio-economic foundations laid bare from this two-fanged crisis. The time is now. We must show up! We must speak up! We must Share! We must Listen! We must Act and surely, we must Lead! Mr. President, Multilateral Action We are living in unprecedented times. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, has gripped the world like we have never seen before, destabilizing economies, overwhelming many healthcare sectors and causing incalculable pain and suffering on millions of people worldwide. We commend the international community that has bound together in global solidarity to defeat the pandemic.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“They remain a work in progress. This moment of global reckoning, a moment in which approximately 1 million of our brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues, neighbours and parents have perished to a punishing pandemic, demands a renewal of purpose and promise. That purpose must be fidelity to multilateralism and faith in international cooperation if we are to breathe new life into the United Nations charter while also achieving the sustainable development goals, halting climate change and pivoting to the stronger and safer future we all want to see — guided by the significant lessons of the distant and recent past. Mr.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“We must have faith in multilateralism and international cooperation if we are to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030 and the stronger, safer future, we all want to see. Seventy-five years ago at the twilight of the Second World War, the world came together at another inflection point and pledged that, “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equality of rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.” Seventy-five years after, these objectives are still relevant and laudable.”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen a pleasant good afternoon. Mr. President let me on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis congratulate you on your election to the presidency of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Our virtual convocation this year — the 75th anniversary of the United Nations — is testimony to the truly unusual times in which we live. I must also seize the opportunity to pay tribute to the Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Guterres for his leadership during this difficult period of COVID-19 pandemic. The theme of this debate is rather fitting for such a time like this!”
2020-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 75 (2020)
“In moving forward, we must help the vulnerable members of our societies, particularly the poor, to improve their lives, give hope to young people and help all countries reach their potential. That was the vision of the United Nations that invited all nations, small and large, to become involved. Let us therefore commit to delivering on the vision of peace and prosperity for all peoples and nations. May God bless us all.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Saint Kitts and Nevis notes with deep concern the content of the report on the situation in Venezuela (A/HRC/41/18), dated 5 July 2019, by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Saint Kitts and Nevis reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the maintenance of human rights and human dignity. We can resolve many issues domestically, but regional and international solidarity and cooperation are critical. I salute the United Nations and the international community for the contribution that they have made to peace, understanding and welfare for more than 74 years. We must all resolve to strengthen our efforts and endeavour to ensure that we are ready to deal with the challenges and opportunities facing us in the twenty-first century.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to monitor the situations in Venezuela and Nicaragua. We adhere to the Inter-American Democratic Charter and urge all States members of the Organization of American States to comply with it. The ongoing crisis in Venezuela in particular occupied virtually all of my time as the previous Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to support the CARICOM position, enunciated at Basseterre in Saint Kitts, that the Venezuelan people must find a peaceful resolution to their crisis through dialogue and restore peace, safety and security in their country. Saint Kitts and Nevis welcomes the recent dialogue facilitated by Norway between the contending parties in Venezuela and we urge all parties to resume those talks without delay.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Saint Kitts and Nevis has nurtured relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan, and that has been of immense benefit to us, given Taiwan’s experience and expertise in such areas as technology, renewables and health care. I call on the United Nations to utilize Taiwan’s experience, resources and expertise and to enable other developing nations to benefit from it as well. Our experience over the past 36 years is that the Republic of China on Taiwan offers true friendship and solidarity to its allies and is prepared to assist the rest of the global community. The Republic of Cuba has been a long-standing friend of Saint Kitts and Nevis. We will continue to support the call for removing the economic and financial embargo on it, which has caused untold suffering for Cuba’s citizens.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Saint Kitts and Nevis believes that universal health coverage is key to reducing social inequities and a critical component of sustainable development. It will provide greater access to health-care services that will ensure a healthier population and financial risk protection to ensure that people are not pushed further into poverty. International support is crucial to helping to build the economies of smaller countries. The European Union’s unfair practice of blacklisting is a burden from which SIDS must be freed. De-risking by correspondent banks is an equally harmful practice. It has now become an existential threat to the economies of small island States. Expanding diplomatic relations in order to pursue strategic alliances is beneficial to trade, development and global security.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“In the face of global warming, we need a blue strategy to preserve and protect what is so important to our food security, the livelihoods of our fisher folk and our economic growth and development. There is huge untapped economic potential in our seas, and it must be protected and nurtured. To put it simply, we need to protect the ocean. I call on the developed countries of the United Nations to offer their support to smaller countries so that together we can protect and nurture our planet. The health of our citizens is becoming critically important to us as we continue to grapple with the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Just one year shy of our commitment to preventing and controlling NCDs, our Government is happy to approve new commitments to building a healthier world through universal health coverage.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“The scientific community has further reinforced our call to limit the increase in temperatures to 1.5 C° if we are to stabilize the global climate. Exceeding 1.5 C° will mean ever-increasing climate risks such as extreme weather, sea-level rise, increased poverty and a threat to hundreds of millions of lives. Limiting global warming to 1.5 C° for SIDS is not optional. It is a matter of our collective survival. The unfair practice of categorizing countries based on their per capita GDP and denying them access to concessionary funding continues to pose a major challenge to our quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and our economic development. We continue to demand that consideration be given to our vulnerability to internal and external shocks. I call for similar concern and protection for our threatened seas.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Today I join my voice with that of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Mr. Allen Chastanet, to support the effort to establish a SIDS foundation for climate adaptation and mitigation. We are tired of those who posture as champions of our cause but are essentially promoters of their own conceit. We are tired of the agencies whose brokerage of climate funds is more centred on implementation fees than on adaptation impact. Rebuilding has to start as soon as the disasters have passed, and we require a quicker process that is sensitive to recovery. We are tired of empty promises. Now is the time for us to take hold of our own destiny. We are almost out of time, and we are short of options and lost for patience.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Hurricane Maria passed over Dominica with extreme ferocity, killed 65 people and wiped out 200 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Hurricane Dorian sat over part of the Bahamas chain and unleashed Armageddon, with the number of dead still unknown, leaving incalculable destruction in its wake. The people of Saint Kitts and Nevis extend their deepest sympathy to their brothers and sisters in the Bahamas. My country has responded by providing security personnel and financial support to help the Bahamas in its recovery efforts. We appeal to other nations to provide tangible expressions of solidarity and support to the people of the Bahamas. With every disaster comes a crisis of conscience in the international community that results in pledges and promises, few of which are fulfilled.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We therefore need and are owed support, solidarity and greater assistance. With increasing vociferousness, the leaders of the Caribbean, and indeed of small island developing States (SIDS) from every corner of our globe, have raised the issue of climate change and the grave and present danger that it poses to all of us. We speak out, and we speak loudly, because of the existential vulnerabilities that we suffer in the face of this growing threat. Two years ago my colleague the Prime Minister of Dominica, Mr. Roosevelt Skerrit, was at this rostrum (see A/72/PV.19), dispirited but dignified. He had come straight from the front line of the devastation that had been wrought by Hurricane Maria. Yesterday it was Dominica; today it is the Bahamas. Each hit is more devastating than the one that preceded it.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“As we all seek to attain the Sustainable Development Goals, our Governments cannot focus on achieving such goals when the very existence of our countries and peoples is constantly threatened. Let us be absolutely clear. Climate change is a product of developed nations’ push for economic growth and industrialization. For far too long and with far-reaching consequences, rich countries have been allowed to emit greenhouse gases unimpeded. Yet the brunt of climate change is borne by developing nations. Small States such as Saint Kitts and Nevis find themselves on the front line of a war they did not start and that they do not want. This is unfair and unjust. People in developing countries will feel the impact first and worst because of vulnerable geography and their lesser ability to cope with damage from severe weather and rising sea levels.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“We need a more coherent, system-wide approach to sustainable development at the United Nations, both in terms of policies and through operational practices in processes and country programmes. Developing countries often lack the capacity or capability to capitalize on the latest global trends in public-sector innovation, Government reform and technology in addressing development challenges. The United Nations role must be to help and stimulate the developing world and provide support in critical areas such as education, training and human-resource development. One of the issues that is a clear and present danger to small and developing nations is climate change.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“Bunche, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who stated: “The United Nations exists not merely to preserve the peace but also to make change — even radical change — possible without violent upheaval. The United Nations has no vested interest in the status quo. It seeks a more secure world, a better world, a world of progress for all peoples.” The people of Saint Kitts and Nevis agree. For us, the United Nations is a force for good, a shining light in a sometimes dark and difficult world. It is through multilateralism at the United Nations that smaller States can have their voices heard. However, we are concerned about the weakening of the multilateral system. Small nations are committed to meeting their Sustainable Development Goals, but developing countries are often not supported by sufficient resources.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It is a privilege to address the General Assembly at its seventy-fourth session. Every year at this time, Heads of State and Government from all over the world make the annual journey to the United Nations to deliberate on the current state of our world, highlight concerns that keep us awake at night and seek consensus on how best to create a world that is peaceful, prosperous, inclusive and integrated. We all come ready to speak out and represent, but the fundamental question is whether we have also come to listen. Even as we forcefully articulate our views, this global gathering will be useful only if we listen with equal intensity to the concerns and proposals of others. It was Ralph J.”
2019-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 74 (2019)
“It is our shared responsibility to create the best opportunities and fulfil the expectations of our current and future generations. I am convinced that if we continue to work steadfastly, while always remaining vigilant and focused on the overarching goals, we will contribute to a more relevant, fair, productive and meaningful United Nations and, by extension, a better world for all our peoples.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Venezuela has been a very good friend to the Caribbean, and Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to call for peaceful dialogue aimed at resolving the issues in that country, with due regard to the rule of law and the democratic ideals that we hold dear. As I conclude, I must remind the Assembly that our people want action. They want results. We need to see all global leaders come together to create and maintain stability, equality and peace in our countries so that our collective contributions can prevent and avoid war and violence, end the proliferation of nuclear weapons, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a level playing field, enabling small States to thrive. May we be always mindful and proactive so as to ensure that no country is left behind in the pursuit and achievement of the 2030 Agenda.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We strongly believe that Taiwan has an important and continuing role to play in international development strategies, as it has achieved great success in technology, agriculture, health and renewable energy. We advocate that Taiwan be given space to add to the dialogue, progress and well-being of the global community. We also continue to voice our support for our Caribbean sister, Cuba, and call for the normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States of America in order to alleviate the real suffering caused to the Cuban people by the policy of exclusion. My country is conscious of the current difficulties in Venezuela.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“However, I must remind the Assembly that NCDs and climate change are two sides of the same coin. They are symptoms of the failure of the current development paradigm. My Government believes in making an equitable society a reality for all citizens in Saint Kitts and Nevis. In keeping with our commitment to transform our world through the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we have endeavoured to create an equitable pathway by improving the standard of living of the most vulnerable so that they can become self-sufficient and productive citizens and residents. I cannot address this great body without recognizing our dear friend, Taiwan. My Government views the United Nations as an organization for all people, including the people of Taiwan.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Eight of every 10 deaths in the Caribbean are attributable to NCDs, 40 per cent of which are premature and 70 per cent of that number are preventable. Hypertension is our leading risk factor for death. The Caribbean region’s diabetes rate is double the global rate. We are facing an NCD crisis in our region. In that regard, we applaud the launch earlier this week of the Defeat-NCD Partnership, and the Caribbean Community and the Caribbean Public Health Agency will provide the fullest support to that new partnership. We endorse a holistic approach to health, and I am happy to report that we have moved into high gear to make universal health coverage, which is an essential component of global health, a reality for all citizens in Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We seek the assistance of the international community as we work tirelessly to address that scourge. My country remains fully committed to the Arms Trade Treaty. Our increasing internal budget allocations are an indication of our commitment to the maintenance of safety and security. Saint Kitts and Nevis is delighted that this week, this body joined in committing to scaling up multi-stakeholder and multisectoral responses aimed at the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Our region remains encumbered by the unfortunate burden that the NCDs have placed on our society and economy. The statistics are stark and startling.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Saint Kitts and Nevis supports the calls for diplomacy aimed at addressing the conflicts around the world and is particularly heartened by the welcome dialogue on the Korean peninsula. The Caribbean is a zone of peace, and our clear philosophy is to promote peace, friendship and dialogue while avoiding conflict with other territories. In that regard, a denuclearized world is a most desirable objective for all humankind. Throughout the Caribbean, we suffer from an increase in crime connected to the trade in small arms, light weapons and drugs. Those weapons flow into the Caribbean, where they are not manufactured, and are linked to an insatiable drug appetite in the West. It is beyond our power to unilaterally control the flow of guns into the region or the addiction that drives the dangerous global drug trade.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“However, the frequency and arbitrariness of those unilateral demands derail essential development efforts in small States. I submit to this body that we deserve and have a right to expect fairness, transparency and consistency in the treatment of all States. A clear, rules-based financial system that applies to all States must be our collective goal. My Government is mindful that without peace, there can be no shared prosperity. We have aggressively confronted the problem of crime and violence on several fronts. We condemn all acts of violence and support efforts to maintain peace. My Government will use every resource available to achieve a stable, peaceful and equitable society, which is what our people expect and certainly deserve.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“That is compounded by the very discriminatory and irrational blacklisting of countries that are forced to divert scarce resources to address the onerous and arbitrary demands of the European Union’s Code of Conduct Group for business taxation and other entities created by large, highly developed countries. It is completely unfair to subject some countries to such evaluation and ever- fluctuating standards, while others are exempt. The threats to the survival of small States are real. I therefore call on this body to bring the plight of small States like Saint Kitts and Nevis to the forefront of international discourse and to bring an end to the discriminatory policies that I have mentioned. At great cost, my country and other small States seek to rise to the challenges posed by the unfair international financial architecture.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We reiterate our calls for the international community to address with urgency the sterile measure of per capita income now employed. It is equally important to address the issues of disaster-risk insurance and recognition of the unique vulnerabilities of small States. My country remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals and the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway. The developmental efforts of small States are also being thwarted by an unfair financial architecture, which includes the threat of de-risking and the loss of correspondent banking relationships.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We must hold countries accountable for the environmental degradation that they cause not only in their own jurisdictions but also in other States. The United Nations system presents the best vehicle to do that. We welcome the funding mechanisms established to assist countries, particularly highly vulnerable SIDS. However, the process must be transparent, easily accessible and, most importantly, the commitments of donor countries must bear fruit. That said, the international community cannot on the one hand claim to be helping SIDS, while at the same time classifying us as middle- and high-income countries based on archaic financial models that ultimately deny access to critical developmental assistance and hinder investment financing.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Climate change is largely the consequence of the actions of the more developed countries, their carbon emissions and harmful lifestyles, yet SIDS pay an unfair price — a price so high that, for many of us, climate change presents an existential threat. In that connection, how will the United Nations assist our region with the growing prevalence of the sargassum seaweed that has adversely impacted the Caribbean area and is thought to be a noxious side effect of global warming? Sargassum affects our marine environment, in particular our coastal fisheries, and has affected the revenues of the fisherfolk in the region. Hotels, beaches and other tourism-related activities have also been severely impacted. It is my fervent hope that my plea today for international intervention will bring some relief to the people of our region.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“There is still a great deal to be done to restore affected Member States, but that requires strong, meaningful and enduring international partnerships. We continue to highlight, on the one hand, our inherent vulnerabilities to natural disasters and, on the other hand, an unflinching determination to maintain a sustainable society. Our responsibility is clear. Individually and collectively, we must commit to reducing the amount of harmful materials that we emit into the environment. It is a matter of great concern that nations such as my own continue to pay dearly for a problem that we did not create. Our people see the impact of climate change on their lives and livelihoods.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“We have made significant progress towards alleviating poverty, providing free primary and secondary education, ensuring access to affordable health care and enhancing the standard of living for our citizens and residents. All those gains could be erased by the phenomenon of climate change. The damage sustained last year by the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States subregion as a result of Hurricanes Irma and Maria was unimaginable. The high-level pledging conference in the aftermath of those hurricanes was an attempt to chart the way forward towards creating resilience and better recovery. We ask that Member States with commitments still outstanding fulfil them as soon as practicable. We applaud those countries that have redeemed their pledges.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Guided by this year’s theme, “Making the United Nations relevant to all people: global leadership and shared responsibilities for peaceful, equitable and sustainable societies”, my delegation is of the view that those ideas can enable us to address the unfairness and inequity of the international development order, and we urge a new and more inclusive paradigm of equitable and sustainable development. Although it is the smallest country in the western hemisphere, my country has always had its own goals, since long before the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals were announced. More than a week ago, we celebrated 35 years of independence.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“The United Nations has been, is and will continue to be critical to global peace, progress and prosperity. That is why there is a need to move urgently to reform the United Nations, making it more responsive to the needs and concerns of all, in particular small island developing States (SIDS). The United Nations has become too preoccupied with summitry, that is, with specialized high-level meetings and declarations, and less focused on delivery. The lack of cooperation among Member States stymies the forward march of humankind. A reformed United Nations must become a body of greater action and fewer words. We need urgent action on climate change, non-communicable diseases, global cooperation, peace, prosperity and the reordering of the international financial system.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“It is my privilege and honour once again to address the General Assembly on behalf of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. At the outset, allow me to congratulate the President on her election to lead this body at this most significant time and as the first woman to assume the post from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. I assure her of my country’s fullest support during her tenure. During the opening days of this session of the General Assembly we paid tribute to the late former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, whom we remember dearly, and what he said about the United Nations, namely, that it was critical in the international community’s efforts to solve the wide range of global problems. Multilateralism, with the United Nations system at its fulcrum, has long informed our global engagements.”
2018-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 73 (2018)
“Through such commitments and actions we will transform our beloved Saint Kitts and Nevis, the United Nations and indeed the world. God bless the country and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We remain eager to work within the United Nations system, but the United Nations must be re-energized, retooled and refocused to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. In fact, we want to see a United Nations strengthened and reflective of the reality of our world, the needs of its membership and the wishes of our diverse and swelling populations. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, we are building a modern, responsible and responsive society, rooted in democracy and the rule of law. We are optimistic that in the months and years ahead, the United Nations and its specialized agencies will be more robust, nimble, modern and responsive in order to complement our work and be better able to prevent crises in ways that effectively improve lives.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We applaud several prescriptions outlined in the address of President Castro to the Assembly (see A/70/PV.14) that call for better arrangements for Caribbean countries and for special and differential treatment. We concur that the issue of reparation must be seen in the broader context of the evil of slavery and its lingering negative impact on the development of the Caribbean. Reparation has to be considered a pathway to addressing the continuing disadvantages that slavery has inflicted on our economies and societies. As part of our development agenda, Saint Kitts and Nevis will work daily to ensure that every citizen has access to high-quality health care, a twenty-first-century education, decent work and an improved quality of life consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We expect the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana to resolve their issues peacefully and in accordance with international law. My Government stands willing to assist alongside CARICOM in resolving those very challenging issues. Saint Kitts and Nevis is indeed pleased by the recent decision of the Governments of Cuba and the United States of America to re-establish diplomatic relations, a solution that CARICOM has long advocated. It is an opportune time for us to usher in a new era of regional partnership and cooperation. My own country has benefited substantially from capacity-building in the areas of education and health thanks to our partnership with Cuba.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)