"India remains exemplary nation for others, making excellent progress in democracy and development," says PM Harris

St Kitts and Nevis: In a recorded message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris said: "India remains an exemplary nation for other developing countries, making excellent progress in democracy and development."

As the Republic of India celebrated its 75th anniversary of independence on Sunday 15 August, Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris addressed the vast Indian community in St Kitts and Nevis. He said that they continue to play an integral role in the overall development of the Twin Island Federation. At the time, Prime Minister Harris spoke at a special flag-raising ceremony at the SKI Academy site on Sunday, organized by representatives of the Indian community in St Kitts and Nevis as part of the local festivals to commemorate their country's independence.

“Here in St. Kitts and Nevis you, the Indian community, have been a core part of our Federation since the 1860s. You are involved in every facet of our community - and our country is richer for it, "said Prime Minister Harris during the event.

The prime minister added: “The Indian community is intertwined in the fabric of life in St Kitts and Nevis. From our food to our commerce, your integration as a culture is seamless. You have much to be proud of in your Indian heritage, just as you as citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis can be proud of you. Our federation is richer, it's better, it's stronger because of your contribution.” Prime Minister Harris said that one of the most recent and notable contributions of the Government of India to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the form of a donation of 20,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year - a donation the prime minister said his government was forever grateful for.

"The strength of our friendship was fully apparent during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, when India, thanks to the generosity of Prime Minister Modi, donated much-needed vaccines to our federation. One of the very first, well ahead of many other countries. The donation made the difference and it helped save many lives in the St Kitts and Nevis federation. The vaccine donation helped us fight the worst of the devastation of COVID and put us ahead of the game. It is a contribution for which we will always be grateful. It is a contribution we will never forget,” said PM Harris.

Ahead of his participation in Sunday's flag-raising event, Prime Minister Harris officially congratulated the government and the people of India on the celebration of the country's 75th anniversary of independence.