Hon. Asot Michael Delivers A Toast To Her Majesty’s Privy Council

Hon. Asot Michael M.P.

Delivers A Toast

On

The Elevation of Prime Minister Denzil Douglas

To

Her Majesty’s Privy Council

February 15, 2012

London, England

Good evening, everyone.

Right Honourable Prime Minister

His Excellency the High Commissioner

Distinguished Members of the National Community

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

I speak tonight on behalf of the Honourable Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and on behalf of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. I also speak on behalf of the Honourable Lester Bird, former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition of Antigua and Barbuda, and Leader of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party. I also speak on behalf of the entire Michael family.

1. We have gathered here tonight to celebrate one of the outstanding sons of the Commonwealth Caribbean; an eminent leader of the OECS; and, a highly decorated representative of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.

2. The Honourable Denzil Douglas has won the approval and applause of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis consistently, during the past 16 and one-half years, or since his first election victory in July 1995. His four successive electoral victories as Prime Minster are evidence of the confidence of his people in his outstanding leadership abilities; recognition of his selfless service; thankfulness for his insistence on high standards; adulation for his principled dedication to his country; appreciation for his high regard for his constituents; and, praiseworthiness for his willingness to abide the law always.

3. To be named one of Her Majesty’s Privy Councillors is to achieve the highest accolade that an elected representative can have conferred upon him. It is worthy of celebration. Tonight, Right Honourable Prime Minister, the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, the people of the OECS, and the people of the Commonwealth Caribbean salute you.

4. As many here may know, you have had the honour of receiving the Order of the Brilliant Star, Republic of Taiwan; the Order of the Liberator (First Class) from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; the Legacy Award from the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies; the Caribbean Studies Association Award; the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Peace Award; the Global Award; the Trumpet Awards, U.S.A.

5. Your bedside manner as a medical doctor has surely comforted the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and assured them that you have their best interests at heart. Your love of the medical arts, when combined with your adherence to good governance, consistently produced outstanding results for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, during your magnificent political career.

6. The recognition of your outstanding work in the public interest, Prime Minister, in the fight against the ravages of HIV/AIDS, throughout the Commonwealth Caribbean has been applauded by the Heads of Government of the CARICOM. Those who suffer the disease and have received free medical treatment have also thanked you for your work on behalf of their families and themselves.

7. In nation-building, in economic development and job-creation, in reducing poverty and spreading economic opportunities, in advancing the poor and in ensuring profitability among local entrepreneurs, you have won, Right Honourable Prime Minister, the highest accolades from countries and institutions all around the world.

8. This gathering tonight to celebrate your appointment, Sir, as one of Her Majesty’s Privy Councillors, signals the pinnacle of recognition bestowed upon you thus far. Our region and your country have benefitted immensely from the magnificence of your labours.

9. The people of the Caribbean region applaud you, Right Honourable Prime Minister, and know that you, Sir, will continue to deliver the best to your region, to the sub-region, to your country and the constituency which you represent. Your country will continue to need your outstanding leadership for years to come.

10. It is a signal honour for me to be able to join in that applause tonight, on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda people, the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, my constituents and my family.

11. I congratulate you, Right Honourable Prime Minister. You are now the longest-serving Prime Minister in the Caribbean, and you have placed St. Kitts and Nevis in an enviable position, providing the quality leadership it deserves in these trying times.

12. Noah Porter, an outstanding thinker and lexicographer who was the President of Yale University, inspired countless men and women worldwide by his wisdom and experience. At one of the graduation ceremonies at Yale, he told of his own leadership lessons. Rely on your own strength of body and soul. Take for your star self-reliance, faith, honesty and industry. Don't take too much advice — keep at the helm and steer your own ship, and remember that the great art of commanding is to take a fair share of the work. Fire above the mark you intend to hit. Energy and invincible determination, with the right motive, are the levers that move the world.

13. Right Honourable Prime Minister: You may not have been consciously following the advice of President Noah Porter, but all of St. Kitts and Nevis would conclude that you have utilized the right levers that move the world.

14. May the God who rescued our region from two hundred years of forced labour, one hundred additional years of extreme exploitation, the God who provided the Labour Movement in St. Kitts and Nevis with the courage and strength to blaze the path towards freedom eight decades ago, continue to strengthen you, Right Honourable Prime Minister, and to inspire all the leaders of your great country. I celebrate you, Sir, and beckon all here to join me in a toast to your continued success.

Hip! Hip! Hip!

I thank you. Congratulations!