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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 15, 2016 (SKNIS)—Hundreds of supporters turned up at the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Bourryeau on February 14 to celebrate and give God thanks for the first year anniversary of the Government of National Unity’s election to office on February 16, 2015.

Singing, dancing and prayers of praise and thanksgiving were in abundance as a jubilant congregation expressed its joy and satisfaction with the Government elected one year ago.

The Cabinet of Ministers, Cabinet Secretary, members of the diplomatic corps, the newly appointed Police High Command, permanent secretaries, Governor General His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton, Former Governor-General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, senior government officials, ambassadors, well-wishers, supporters and friends came out in their massive numbers.

The Sunday morning service was officiated by Dr. Reverend Bishop Kelvin Jones and Deacon Melvin E. James. The first scripture reading from Psalms 118:1-10 was proclaimed by Mrs. Junie Morton and the second scripture reading from Ephesians 4:3-16 was read by Dr. Patrick Welcome. Sister Susan Southwell ably led the praise and worship session while Pastor Dr. Reverend Kelvin Jones rendered the opening prayer, and Pastor Keithley Phillip delivered the sermon.

In giving brief remarks, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, thanked all who had come to support and join in the momentous occasion.

“Today is really a day of introspection, retrospection and prospection…” Prime Minister Harris said. “We will not get weary in doing good.”

Dr. Harris underscored the importance of his tripartite government and said that this means a fairer share for all.

“I feel the energy, the joy, the love, the admiration, that you gave us since we launched officially on 26^th September in 2013 at Greenlands and I am grateful. When I see the diverse faces that have come today and I reflect on Greenlands on the 26^th September, 2013, I say to God be the glory, something good is still happening in St. Kitts and Nevis,” he said.

The prime minister outlined some of the achievements of his young government of one year. Some of these include removal of VAT from the cost of food, medicine and funeral expenses; payment of EC $16 million in past due gratuities to 2,311 former sugar workers; EC $25 million in budgetary support to the Nevis Island Administration and the discontinuation of the shift system at the Basseterre High School and the construction of a temporary campus for the school at Taylor’s in Basseterre with plans to construct a brand new high school.

“Because we are unified, so many good things have happened to St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Prime Minister Harris.

“Through our policies and our actions, our country shall rise to a new level of development, and each and every one of you directly or indirectly will be able to benefit from the policies of good governance of a Team Unity-led Administration, and so far, so good,” the prime minister added.

Pastor Keithley Phillip stressed the importance of unity in team work and leadership. Using as his point of departure the scripture passage from Ephesians 4:1-6, Pastor Phillip said that it is important to have a commonly shared vision and purpose for any team to succeed. He said that for unity to be maintained, there must be meaningful conversation and compromise in coming together for the furtherance of the country. This, he said, calls for leaders looking out for the interest of the nation and not for their own selfish gain.

“You must endeavour to diligently preserve this unity,” Pastor Phillip said, while highlighting that a team must practice the qualities that preserve unity. Some of these qualities he said are humility, gentleness, patience and tolerance in love.

The Government of National Unity is celebrating its 1^st anniversary week of activities celebrations from February 13-21, 2016, under the theme “Working Together to Ensure the People’s Prosperity.” Some of the activities to come are: one- on- one consultations in each constituency onTuesday, February 19 at 5pm; Working for You Radio Show on Wednesday, February 17 at 1:30 pm; Town Hall Meeting at Anglican Church Hall at7pm on Wednesday, February 17; Launch of New Government Portal and /E-government network at the Ocean Terrace Inn on Thursday, February 18 at 9:30 am; Sounds of Peace Anti-crime Concert on Friday, February 19 from 5 pm until; Team Unity Fresh Start Breakfast at the Ferry Terminal at6 am on Saturday, February 20; and Constituency Day on Sunday, February 21.