Charlestown, Nevis (Thursday,September 13th, 2012)– Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry said he is very pleased when he reflects on the many advances that the island of Nevis has made, since the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis moved to Independence from Great Britain on September 19, 1983.

The Premier was speaking via telephone from Miami where he is attending meetings seeking to boost cruise tourism on Nevis, one week shy of our country’s 29thanniversary of Independence.

“Nevis has come a long way since 1983 when the island first got independence, and evidence of the progress can be seen with the modern roads, the vast number of affordable houses built, the modern water program, a more reliable electricity system, advances in education and excellent programs for the elderly and young people on Nevis.”

While speaking on his Nevis Reformation Party (NRP)-led Administration’s pursuit of building a strong economy on Nevis, the Premier said the administration has assisted and negotiated for investments that are taking place presently: naming, among them, the construction of the Tamarind Cove Marina at Cades Bay, the Brown Hill Communications Calling Center additions, and the expansive Deon Daniel and Associates condominiums project at Nelson’s Spring.

“These are challenging economic times globally, however, we cannot sit down and not be proactive,” said the Hon. Joseph Parry.

According to the Premier, there are more projects to come on stream in Nevis including an oil depot for Pembroke Estate, a Fisheries Complex for downtown Charlestown, a Cosmetic Center slated for New River, a Urology center and a dialysis unit at the Alexandra Hospital, and geothermal energy.

The activities to commemorate the Federation of St. Kitts- Nevis’ 29th Anniversary of Independence, will be held under the theme: Cherishing children, Strengthening families.

Activities commence on Friday, September 14th with patriotic programs at the Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School at 8:30am, and the Charlestown Primary School at 9am. On National Heroes Day- Sunday, September 16th, there will be Drag Racing at the St. James’ Raceway from 12noon with participating teams from across the region and host country Nevis. Monday, September 17 has been declared a public holiday since National Heroes’ Day falls on a Sunday, and there will be Horse Racing at the Indian Castle Track from 12 noon.

Patriotic Programs in schools continue on Tuesday, September 18th at the Violet O. Jeffers-Nicholls, St. Thomas’, Joycelyn Liburd, Ivor Walters and St. James Primary schools, as well as the Charlestown and Gingerland Secondary schools.

On Independence Day, Wednesday, September 19th, there will be the traditional Ceremonial Parade and Awards Ceremony at the Elquemedo T. Willett Park from 8am.

The curtain comes down on the 2012 Independence Anniversary celebrations with the Toast to the Nation at the Bath Hotel following the ceremonial parade.