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Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 16, 2021 (SKNIS): EXPO 2020 in Dubai is providing nations around the world the unique opportunity to showcase everything their countries have to offer. Today, November 16, 2021, was designated as St. Kitts and Nevis’ National Day at the global event, where Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris announced that the Federation is opened for business. 
An extravagant ceremony was hosted to observe the Federation’s National Day, featuring cultural performances from a local masquerade group, traditional wear and St. Kitts and Nevis’ national dish prepared by locally renowned chef, Dion “Chef Gary” Williams.

Prime Minister Harris was amongst the dignitaries in attendance at Tuesday’s ceremony. In his featured address, the prime minister expressed gratitude for the global platform to showcase the twin-island Federation to a global audience, while also shedding light on the impact of COVID-19 on Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Notwithstanding the setbacks caused by the pandemic, Dr. Harris said St. Kitts and Nevis is once again ready to welcome the world.

“Thanks to the diligence of our National Task Force for COVID-19 and with the support and partnership of several countries like India, the United States of America and sister countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), St. Kitts and Nevis has reopened again for business,” said Prime Minister Harris.

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis recently received high praise from the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) for its successful vaccination roll-out programme and for surpassing the forty (40) percent vaccination quota set out by health agency.

As economic activities across the various sectors rebound, thanks in large part to the solid fiscal management and economic support provided by the Federal Government, Prime Minister Harris still sees the need for continued economic diversification in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to make the Federation even more competitive moving forward.

“The pandemic has caused untold hardship, loss and suffering to many people around the world and forced almost every country to close their borders. At this special moment in time, St. Kitts and Nevis is officially opened and stands ready to continue our fulfillment of our commitment to diversify our economy across multiple sectors including agriculture, technology, trade, the creative arts and tourism; several aspects of these would have been displayed during our own expo today and in the days prior to today. Our eco-friendly tourism sector is one that allows you to enjoy nature, our superb hospitality and an authentic twin-island paradise experience,” said Prime Minister Harris.

Prime Minister Harris also took the opportunity to highlight some of the best hotels the Federation has to offer, while also committing to revamp the national healthcare system in an effort to bring first class service to both citizens and visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis.