The guest speaker for the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) annual party convention at Jessups Community center on Sunday was the Leader of the Opposition of the St. Lucia Labour Party, the Hon Phillip J. Pierre.
Pierre who has acted as Prime Minister and Tourism Minister during the tenure of the Labour Party in office, called on the NRP and Nevisians to achieve economic independence and to become self reliant in spite of global challenges.
Pierre’s rallying point was that the Citizenship by Investment (CIP) although no magic bullet remains a viable option on catalyst for sustainable foreign direct investment, jobs and opportunities for Nevisians. He urged the NRP to correct the imbalance as basic necessities remain a basic struggle for Nevisians and by extension the entire Caribbean.
“The NRP must champion the cause of this forgotten demographic….as the reliance on traditional partners, who are under pressure have come to an end. We can no longer rely on handouts and aid from developed countries,” Pierre asserted.
He continued “how to achieve our goal of economic prosperity by looking inwards to maximize our talents and potential…we must be locally focused but globally relevant. The CIP remains a viable option. However the challenge is to enhance due diligence procedures… the CIP is no magic bullet and it will not remain an open window forever.
CIP revenue must therefore be used for education and infrastructure development,” Pierre stated.