Kuwaitis recall 'father of constitution, independence'

(MENAFN- Arab Times) The State of Kuwait celebrates, Monday the 52nd anniversary of the National (Independence) Day, a patriotic occasion marked with ceremonies reflecting the natives' faithfulness to the homeland and the leaders. Kuwait, since its independence, has passed through phases of tremendous development, thus occupying status among advanced states, under guidance of wise leaders who led the country to advancement and prosperity. On such an occasion, natives recall, in particular accomplishments of the late Amir, sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the 11th Amir of the country, also dubbed "father of the constitution and independence," for Kuwait regained full sovereignty during his era and because he was mastermind of drafting the National Constitution. Kuwait, which succeeded in leaving a stamp at the international quarters and gaining recognition as a sovereign state, became member of the Arab League in 1961 and joined the United Nations in 1963. "We are at threshold of a new era, we aspire that Kuwait start its transformation by cementing ties of brotherhood and friendship with the sisterly Arab states for sake of unity and service of welfare of the Arab nation," the late Amir had stated on the glorious occasions. He also noted that Kuwait was seeking UN membership for serving welfare, security and safety of the whole international community, Kuwait during rule of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem, witnessed wide-scale construction. The economy noticeably grew, and in 1952, the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was founded. In 1962, Kuwait Fund for Economic Development was set up. In 1959, Kuwait took delivery of the first oil tanked, called "Kathmah, " and in 1960, the National Petroleum Company (KNPC) was established. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem devoted special care for educating and developing skills of the natives and securing good standards of living for them. During his reign, number of health centers increased. In 1962, Al-Sabah Hospital was built and figure of schools swelled to 128. Following demise of Sheikh Abdullah Al- Salem, the natives experienced rule of his successor, Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem, whom they adored, particularly because of his modest manners. Inauguration His era was marked with inauguration of Kuwait University, in 1965. Moreover, the Central Bank of Kuwait was established in 1966, and the Kuwait Center for Economic and Social Planning in the Middle East was born. Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem followed steps drawn by his predecessor, Sheik Abdullah Al-Salem, for boosting democracy. Moreover, during his rule, Kuwait expanded its external relations and worked out agreements with regional and foreign states. As to the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah, he too was overwhelmed with intimate and warm sentiments by the Kuwaitis and became widely known as "the Amir of hearts." He was architect of modern Kuwait, a leader who conquered hardships and faced the aggressors with various means, counting on Kuwait's external ties and weight. In his historic address to the United Nations, Sheikh Jaber urged the natives to be patient and steadfast against the occupation, promising them liberation. Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad also worked for development and modernization of Kuwait, thus during his reign, the Civil Service Commission was established, in 1978, and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), was also founded, in 1980 The late leader was staunch supporter of women political franchise. In 1999, Sheikh Jaber issued an Amiri Decree granting women full political rights. Equally, he was devoted to caring for the youth, thus the Public Authority for Youth and Sports was set up in 1992. At the Gulf level, Sheikh Jaber was architect of founding the GCC, which was proclaimed in 1981. The current Amir, HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, is also following steps of the predecessors, sparing no effort for sake of advancing Kuwait, for turning to into a business hub and a democratic minaret. During Sheikh Sabah's era, corner for the KD 335 million Jaber Hospital was laid. Furthermore, work for construction of Jaber Bridge is underway - due to link up Kuwait city with Al-Sabbiah to the north. Due to rise of imports to Kuwait from three million tons in 1933 to 30 million tons in the latest years, strategists planned construction of Boubyan port, due to cost some KD 119 million. Sheikh Sabah has also dedicated special attention to necessity of maintaining national unity and renouncing discords.