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ST KITTS AND NEVIS PRIME MINISTER URGES OAS TO
BE MORE ACTIVE ON CONCERNS OF SMALL MEMBER STATES

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Denzil L. Douglas today challenged the Organization of American States (OAS) to be more active on serious issues affecting the development and progress of its developing member states. He also argued that hemispheric security must "re-engage" with human security and stressed his country's continued support to the Organization.

Addressing a protocolary session of the Permanent Council, the Organization's second highest decision-making body, Prime Minister Douglas listed serious economic setbacks he said many small Caribbean states suffered when the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklisted them for being "uncooperative" in fighting money laundering. He called for more action by the Western Hemisphere body on such crucial issues.

He focused on the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS, to which he said the OAS must give more attention in its hemispheric security agenda. This agenda should also include other important problems such as hunger, illegal drugs, small arms trafficking and inequitable global competition.

As he spoke to the hemispheric body for the second time since assuming office, the Prime Minister declared that "in a world in which globalization could so radically shift the economic fortunes of nations, the OAS must give greater weight to economic and social issues."

He went on to note that "although democracy is undoubtedly an important ingredient for economic development, democracy without the wherewithal to implement relevant support measures and systems cannot feed hungry children, cannot provide health care for the aged and infirm, cannot ensure the safety of our youth and cannot guarantee social stability."

Turning to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Dr. Douglas restated his country's "unswerving" commitment to support the United States in the struggle against terrorism. "And we stand solidly with the other member states of the OAS in their resolve to confront this pervasive conspiracy of subversion."

OAS Secretary General César Gaviria welcomed the Prime Minister, thanking the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for its important role in shaping the OAS agenda on such issues as Haiti's political crisis and crafting the one year-old Inter-American Democratic Charter . Gaviria also congratulated the Prime Minister and his nation as they prepare to mark the 19th independence anniversary on September 19.

Permanent Council Chairman, Ambassador Roger Noriega of the United States, who presided over the special meeting of the Hemisphere's Ambassadors, introduced the Prime Minister and hailed St. Kitts and Nevis' contribution to the Organization.

Reference: E-179/02