Caribbean Airlines Inaugural Flight CeremonyJuly 24, 2023 Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew Remarks

Today marks yet another momentous occasion in the history of our beloved Federation. On behalf of the people and the Government of St. Kitts & Nevis, I welcome the inaugural flight of Caribbean Airlines to our shores. This significant milestone further strengthens our connectivity to the rest of the region and, by extension, the world. It also symbolizes our continued progress in boosting airlift and its countless benefits to our nation.

I stand here before you filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our citizens, the hard work of our dedicated Government officials at the Ministry of Tourism, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and the St Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority, and the vision that has propelled us forward. Today, we witness even more fruits of our labour as we welcome Caribbean Airlines, a renowned carrier with a rich history of serving the Caribbean region.

The arrival of Caribbean Airlines to our Federation signifies a new era of opportunities and possibilities. We recognize the immense potential within our tourism industry and have spared no effort in ensuring that our beautiful twin islands are easily accessible to visitors from around the globe and, more importantly, the Caribbean region.

I can only hope that one of the lessons we learned from COVID is how dependent we are on tourism. But even greater of a lesson is the need for us to begin bridging the gap between the region’s islands. Intraregional travel is key to the sustainable development of our nation. As Caribbean brothers and sisters, we cannot and must not be solely dependent on our international visitors, but I want to encourage us today, even with the arrival of Caribbean Airlines to travel within the region as well and help to build our own economies.

When your government came into office, we diligently worked to establish strategic partnerships to improve connectivity. Furthermore, we have collaborated with regional and international airlines, including Caribbean Airlines, to develop new routes and increase flight frequencies, making St. Kitts and Nevis more accessible and competitive for both business and leisure travel.

The benefits of an improved airlift cannot be overstated. It stimulates economic growth by driving tourism, generating employment opportunities, and boosting revenue streams. By attracting more visitors, we inadvertently activate the multiplier effect, thus ensuring that the monies derived from tourism have the potential to trickle down to our communities. This, in turn, improves our citizens’ overall standard of living, enhances our cultural exchange, and fosters a greater sense of pride in our nation.

The arrival of Caribbean Airlines to St. Kitts and Nevis is further evidence of the growing demand for the Federation, blessed with natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. As we welcome visitors from near and far, we have the opportunity to showcase the wonders of our islands, strengthen our diplomatic ties, and forge lasting friendships that transcend borders.

In conclusion, the inaugural flight of Caribbean Airlines to St. Kitts and Nevis is a testament to our unwavering dedication to progress and development. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in our nation’s journey, one that promises growth, prosperity, and a bright future for all. As we continue to work tirelessly to boost airlift and enhance our tourism industry, let us embrace this moment with gratitude and enthusiasm, knowing that together, we are building a better St. Kitts and Nevis for generations to come.

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