Clarke lauds migrants’ role in urban development

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER DR JOYELLE CLARKE HAS LAUDED immigrants’ contribution to urban development in St Kitts and Nevis.

“We appreciate the Latinos, Jamaicans, Haitians and Guyanese community especially those well-established right here in Basseterre,” Dr Clarke said in a televised address to mark world Environment Day.

In her address the government noted the Terrance Drew administration will continue embracing migration although it’s a two-edged word.

“The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has recognised that migration poses challenges, but it also brings significant contributions to urban life,” Clarke told her audience.

During her address she remined viewers that urban development encompasses social, cultural, economic and physical improvement of global cities including Basseterre.

“Every citizen must be involved,” Dr Clarke stressed in her televised message to commemorate the week of activities under this year’s theme, ‘MIND THE GAP, LEAVE NO ONE AND NO PLACE BEHIND’.

According to global statistics, urban areas house some 50 percent of the globe’s 7 billion population, and all hands are needed on deck to help sustain these critical spaces. Clarke noted that civil organisations, all communities, academic organisations, the private sector, and all other relevant stakeholder working together are needed to guarantee a secure future for them.

“There is no difference to our local situation where urban areas Basseterre, Cayon, Sandy Point and Charlestown account for more than half of the Federation’s population enhance the establishment of the Urban Development Unit which was established to set and implement new standards and policies for sustainable urban development.”

“By getting urban development right we are able to create jobs, and in the process offer better livelihoods, increase economic growth, increase social inclusion, promote the advancement of our living standards and reduce both rural and urban poverty,” the minister continued.

“St Kitts and Nevis joins the global community as it celebrates World Habitat Day, a day that it uses to recognise by the United Nations through its programme UN Habitat, which is a venture that it supports matters of urban development.”

Clarke counselled that bourgeoning inequalities and challenges are eye-sores afflicting cities and other types of human settlements, and “we want to draw attention to growing vulnerabilities that have been impacted by the triple C’s crisis: Covid 19, climate change and conflict,”.

“The pandemic and recent conflicts and climate change has reversed the years of progress made in the fight against poverty in particular urban poverty. Therefore, tackling urban poverty and inequality have become an urgent priority,” the government official lamented.

Governments, she emphasised, must prepare urban areas for catastrophes, and this begins with their cites.

“Action and implementation of the sustainable development goals to prepare urban areas for future are more important than ever,” today, the minister stressed.

“The intention is really to rethink how we plan, manage and live in our urban centres. The policies and projects which have been designed by the Urban Development Unit bring forth a road map or a plan for communities within Basseterre, Sandy Point Cayon and Charlestown and they will serve as engines of prosperity and centres of cultural and social wellbeing, while protecting our precious environment,” Clarke explained.

Urban renewal strategies in Basseterre are built on seven pegs: providing basic services for all citizens including housing, water, sanitation and health care; ensuring that all citizens have access to equal opportunities and face no discrimination and promoting measures that support a cleaner St. Kitts and Nevis.

Other pegs of the renewal blueprint are: strengthening resilience in cities to help reduce the risks and impact of disasters; fully respect the rights of migrants; improving connectivity and supporting innovative and green initiatives and promoting safe, accessible and green public spaces.

“In other words, human interactions should be facilitated by urban planning which is why the Urban Development Unit calls for an increase in public spaces such as sidewalks, gardens, squares and parks. Independence Square is an ideal example of a green space and the Urban Development Unit along with other partners will commit to managing and maintaining this important heritage site.

She revealed that from October 2-7, 2022, her ministry along with the Federation will be celebrating Urban Development Week. Several activities were planned and executed to commemorate what is considered an important observation under United Nations.

The first Monday in October is celebrated as World Urban Development Day.