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For seven remarkable years, from 2015 to 2022, St. Kitts and Nevis enjoyed an unparalleled diplomatic relationship with the United States, cementing its status as one of Washington’s most trusted Caribbean allies. This historic period of exceptional bilateral ties was forged under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris, whose administration navigated three U.S. presidencies—Barack Obama’s final year, the full term of Donald Trump, and the early years of Joe Biden—without a single challenge or controversy regarding the country’s governance or its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.

Under Dr. Harris, St. Kitts and Nevis’ relations with Washington reached new heights, with multiple high-level engagements that strengthened economic, security, and diplomatic cooperation. Unlike his predecessor Dr. Denzil Douglas or his successor Dr. Terrance Drew, Dr. Harris enjoyed an unprecedentedly positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S. government, ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis remained a key strategic partner.

U.S. Commendations and Strategic Engagement

During his tenure, Dr. Harris and members of his cabinet held several meetings with top U.S. officials, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Embassy in Barbados. These diplomatic engagements solidified trust and ensured a smooth, cooperative relationship between the two nations.

One of the most striking testaments to Washington’s confidence in Prime Minister Harris’ leadership came in 2020, when U.S. National Security Adviser Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, speaking directly from the White House, praised Harris for his exemplary leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Brien went as far as to announce that then-U.S. President Donald Trump was sending ventilators to St. Kitts and Nevis as a sign of appreciation for the strong partnership between the two nations.

Taking to Twitter, the official White House National Security Council account confirmed the deep respect and admiration for Prime Minister Harris:

“Great conversation today with our friend & partner, ‪@pmharriskn of St. Kitts and Nevis. ‪ @POTUS is sending ventilators as a sign of our appreciation of our key partnership. We’re grateful for the Prime Minister’s leadership in the global response to ‪#COVID19.”

Economic and Security Cooperation Flourished Under Harris

Beyond pandemic response efforts, U.S.-St. Kitts and Nevis ties under Dr. Harris also strengthened in economic and trade relations. High-level discussions between the two governments centered on API Harowe (St. Kitts) Ltd., a subsidiary of American Precision Industries, which specializes in manufacturing components for industrial, medical, military, and aerospace applications. The company’s operations underscored Washington’s economic confidence in the Harris-led administration, fostering job creation and investment within the federation.

Moreover, national security and diplomatic cooperation flourished, with St. Kitts and Nevis maintaining a trusted status with U.S. authorities, ensuring seamless law enforcement collaboration and intelligence-sharing.

An Era of Mutual Respect and Stability

Unlike previous and subsequent administrations, Dr. Harris never faced scrutiny or criticisms from Washington, particularly regarding the governance of St. Kitts and Nevis or its widely recognized CBI Programme. Instead, his government received unwavering support and recognition for its diplomatic integrity, economic management, and proactive leadership.

From the Obama years to the Trump presidency and into the Biden administration, Dr. Harris masterfully cultivated an era of unmatched diplomatic excellence, making St. Kitts and Nevis a shining example of U.S.-Caribbean relations done right.

As the nation reflects on this historic period of unshaken trust, strategic partnerships, and diplomatic success, it is evident that St. Kitts and Nevis under Dr. Timothy Harris enjoyed a golden era of relations with the United States—one that remains unmatched in modern history.