By Abisola Abiola

Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry and his Nevis Reformation Party (NRP)-led Nevis Island Administration marked its fourth anniversary at the helm of government in Nevis with a Thanksgiving Service at the Charlestown Wesleyan Holiness Church on Sunday, July 12^th.

“We appreciate how good God is and how good he has been to the people of Nevis and to the island of Nevis,” he said.

He informed that his Nevis Reformation Party led Nevis Island Government has had four years of being together, of changing the face of Nevis. He noted that this they couldn’t do without the help of God and his presence. The Premier reflected on the past hurricane season and declared that the island has been fortunate, “and I do hope that this year again we will be spared. Nevis has taken some knocks and God knows best.”

The NRP leader also commented on the closure of Nevis’ major income earner Four Seasons Resort, “for two years things have been tough, people have been out of work, some people have not been able o pay their bank, we have had all this difficult experiences,” he lamented. He reminded persons present that in spite of all the misfortune, they must thank God, “we are not one of the worst countries in the world, we have done very well. The bankers have supported us and we have supported each other and the government has done a wonderful job in also supporting the people of Nevis,” he said.

Premier Parry noted that he sees the two difficult years as a time of challenge, a time of testing and as an opportunity for the island to prove itself, “and prove ourselves we have.” He informed that similar incidents were experienced in other parts of the world. However he hastened to add that despite the challenges the people of Nevis have been happy, “people have been able to survive and do well and so we can give God thanks.”

He disclosed that his government came into power when there was an increase in crime, “crime did not start in 2010,” he added. He indicated that his government’s number one priority which is visible in its manifesto is eradicating crime, adding that they have persevered. “Stopping it does not start in a moment as well, it takes time and we have done a very good job in doing this. We have to remember all the hard work we have done with the children, training, speeches and all the many seminars and today we can give thanks when we see the young men taking responsibility for their children, because that is how we are going to help bring crime to an end.”

Mr. Parry also disclosed that his government has worked with the police and they have responded in kind, “they have demonstrated an interest.” He concluded that in spite of whatever blame they have had over the years he is quite satisfied “and we thank God for the effort and the victory,” he said. He also commended the Nevis Housing and Land Corporation for the construction of affordable homes at Cherry Gardens. “Many people thought that the Cherry Gardens homes was just a political gimmick, others thought we were building houses for people, of course we were building houses for the people of Nevis and we did a fine job.”

He also stated that his government has ensured that in the midst of the worst recession since 1934 the people of Nevis are working. “This government could have let off workers close to 500 to balance the budget, but we have helped and saved Nevisians. This government was prepared to run a deficit because it cared about the people of Nevis. The turning is here with us and so we have to thank God that the Four Seasons will be reopened soon.”

He also announced that American Eagle will begin to fly from Puerto Rico to Nevis from the 15^th of December the same day that the Four Seasons will reopen. It was announced further that Nevisians will be employed from now until December by the Resort.

The Nevis Island Administration started the month of activities with a grand party on Friday, July 9th at the Cox Gazebo. On Saturday, July 10^th (the day the NRP was voted into power) the NIA Cabinet showed their gratitude to the elderly by giving out gift baskets to two stalwarts from each parish. A number of other activities will follow and notice of these events will be made to the public shortly.

Meanwhile, Party Organiser Carlisle Powell noted that the NIA under the leadership of Hon. Joseph Parry continued to perform well.  “Throughout the past four years the NIA’s accomplishments in water, Geothermal development, improvement of roads, increased housing, advances in health care services, training for young people, care for the elderly and a host of other goals have been targeted and met,” he said.

Mr. Powell also announced that the NRP led Administration were proud of their achievements and they would continue to make great strides for the betterment of the residents of Nevis.