Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 30, 2015 (SKNIS)—Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, has thanked outgoing Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, “for his outstanding service to the 53- bloc of Commonwealth nations” during the closing ceremony of the 24th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that took place in Valletta, Malta, from November 27-29, 2015.
H.E. Kamalesh Sharma, 74, the fifth Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations assumed the position in 2008, having previously served as the High Commissioner for India in London.
Prime Minister Harris underscored the efforts of Secretary General Sharma and his attention and expressions of concern when the former Douglas Administration suspended democratic order by refusing to table a motion of no confidence in his Administration for over two years.
“It was edifying to note that although St. Kitts and Nevis is small, its fate and conditions were of concern to the Commonwealth Secretary General,” Prime Minister Harris said.
While wishing H.E. Sharma well in his future endeavours, Prime Minister Harris congratulated incoming Secretary General, Her Excellency Baroness Patricia Scotland, who assumes her post on 1st April, 2016.
“The newly-elected Commonwealth Secretary-General, H.E. Baroness Scotland assumes her new responsibilities with the full and pledged support of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Harris stated that St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to the enduring values and principles of the Commonwealth.