Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 11, 2016 (SKNIS): The Department of People’s Empowerment, once called the Department of Constituency Empowerment was changed to include Kittitians and Nevisians living in the diaspora as noted by the Department’s Director, Duncan Wattley, while appearing on the Government’s weekly radio and television programme “Working for You” on Wednesday, February 10.
The director pointed out that the new name is more inclusive, and appropriate for its refined scope of operations.
“From a political standpoint, when we hear the word constituency it denotes a political undertone,” said the director. “It gives that this is about politics and I believe that this department is greater than being political and so the name change was timely and adequate so that everyone throughout the Federation and people who live in the diaspora could feel a part of what we are planning and hoping to do.”
Wattley explained that the aim was to encourage nationals living abroad to become more involved.
“Wherever you are living in the world, provided that you are a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, we want to say that you have a very important role to play in helping us to carry out the mandate of this particular department,” he said. “I think that the people in the diaspora have an important role to play in national development. It is beyond just coming to vote or coming home for vacation.”
He said that there are nationals overseas who have accomplished a lot and are eager to contribute to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis. He stated that through this name change they will be able to do so.
The director congratulated the Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, for having such vision to include the diaspora under the Department of People’s Empowerment.
“We can liaise with these people, try and see what resources they can contribute in terms of capacity building and knowledge sharing,” he stated.
He assured the people in the diaspora that he will listen to them and see how best they can assist in helping the department to function the way in which they envision. The director also shared the proposed motto of the department which is “Your Community, Your Voice, Your Future”, a motto he described as very important, which sends a strong message.