April 11, 2016 marked a significant day in diplomatic relations between the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and Canada. H.E. Shirley Skerritt-Andrew presented her Letter of Introduction to the Right Honourable Justin Pierre James Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada accrediting her as High Commissioner for the Federation of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis in Canada. During a tête-à-tête High Commissioner Skerritt-Andrew thanked the government and people of Canada for the exceptional support that they have given to St. Kitts and Nevis in every area of its development journey. The High Commissioner also identified priority areas where St. Kitts and Nevis and Canada can work together including ways of combating climate change, developing and harnessing renewable energy sources and accessing new technologies for green growth. The High Commissioner made further reference to the concerns of St. Kitts and Nevis with regards to the loss of the visa waiver for nationals.

 

High Commissioner Skerritt-Andrew used a two pronged approach in her discussion with Prime Minister Trudeau where she made it clear that the Federation is not only interested in what Canada can do for our two islands but what St. Kitts and Nevis, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), is already identifying as solutions to work on jointly with Canada.  St. Kitts and Nevis is beginning to harness green clean technology including geothermal and solar energy.

 

The Caribbean, an insular area, is one of the regions that is predicted to experience drought conditions as a result of climate change. St. Kitts and Nevis is one of a number of countries in the region that was recently placed under drought watch by the Caribbean Emergency Disaster Management Agency (CDEMA) and which is expected to end in May 2016. We cannot predict the severity of those impacts in a particular place or time, we can nonetheless see and measure many changes. In her discussion with the Canadian Prime Minister, the High Commissioner referred to St. Kitts and Nevis’ need for assistance in the areas of water conservation and to bring forward measures to prevent saline intrusion.

 

High Commissioner Skerritt-Andrew had the privilege of ushering a new tradition with the newly elected Liberal Government by signing the Realm Signature Book and being the first Foreign Head of Mission to present to the Right Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The High Commission for the Federation of Saint Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis is, situated at 421 Besserer Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6B9 and ready to serve the needs of all nationals, the diaspora and friends of St. Kitts and Nevis, while addressing bilateral and multi-lateral relations with Canada and all Diplomatic Missions in Canada.