FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 11, 2004
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Peace Corps
Contact: Press Office
Phone: 202.692.2230
Fax: 202.692.2201
Email:
pressoffice@peacecorps.gov |
Peace Corps Volunteers Begin Service in St. Kitts & Nevis |
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Today, the Peace Corps officially returned
to the islands of St. Kitts & Nevis with the swearing-in of ten new Peace Corps
volunteers. These volunteers will primarily concentrate their efforts on youth
and community development.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis Dr. Denzil L. Douglas addressed the new
volunteers in saying, “You are spearheading a new journey between the United
States and St. Kitts & Nevis. You are to be trailblazers for this fine and
altruistic organization.”
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Peace Corps Country Director Earl
Phillips hosted the official opening of Peace Corps’ office on the island.
Present at the office opening and ceremony were Peace Corps’ Director for the
Inter-America and Pacific Region Maryann Minutillo, newly-appointed U.S.
Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean and Barbados Mary E. Kramer, Prime Minister
Douglas, and Premier Hon Vance Amory.
Collaborating with various government ministries, the new volunteers will
support their local communities and schools by assisting in the development of
youth programs and helping to obtain resources necessary to give local youth the
means to succeed. From 1991 to 1998, Peace Corps volunteers in St. Kitts & Nevis
were involved in art education projects to promote art awareness, interest, and
participation. When the project ended in 1998, the program in St. Kitts & Nevis
was temporarily closed.
Much like other Eastern Caribbean nations, the youth of St. Kitts & Nevis
represents a majority of its population. The islands of St. Kitts & Nevis
comprise the smallest country in the western hemisphere. St. Kitts & Nevis’
capital city is Basseterre, which holds nearly half of the nation’s total
population of 40,700. The primary language is English, and the major industries
are agriculture, light manufacturing, and tourism.
The Peace Corps’ Eastern Caribbean program currently includes the countries
of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada/Carriacou, St. Lucia, St. Vincent &
the Grenadines, and St. Kitts & Nevis. Peace Corps volunteers are working on
programs that aim to provide job skills training and health services to youth,
increase disaster preparedness and mitigation, and increase awareness of
HIV/AIDS. Over 3,200 volunteers have served in the Eastern Caribbean since 1961.
More than 115 volunteers are presently serving in the region.
Since 1961, more than 170,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps,
working in such diverse fields as education, health and HIV/AIDS education and
prevention, information technology, business development, the environment, and
agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years
of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.
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