St. Kitts and Nevis Nationals Celebrate Independence 40 in Grand Style

Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKN SOURCE) — Diaspora Kittitians and Nevisians commemorated the 40th anniversary of St. Kitts and Nevis’ independence in spectacular fashion by putting on church services, galas, receptions and other events. 

Speaking on the occasions, Mr. Eustace Wallace, Charge d’Affaires at the High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada, noted that celebrations were also organized to mark 40 years of diplomatic ties with Canada. 

“I can honestly say that people appreciate the opportunity to meet with any prime minister, minister, premier or president of a country when they come to visit. For St. Kitts and Nevis, we have such a vibrant diaspora across Canada and it is also important to note that we didn’t just celebrate 40 years of independence but we also celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations with Canada,” Mr. Wallace said. 

The High Commission of St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada also hosted an event dubbed, “40×40: A Photographic Journey of Independence and Resilience.”

“We invited Professor Tau Battice to give a visual lecture on parliament hill. I thought it was important to do something different. I didn’t want to just have a reception. I wanted to have something with impact and Professor Tau Battice did it in such a way where he told the story of St. Kitts and Nevis through photography but at the same time, he quoted those people who he photographed and allowed them to tell their vision of where they see St. Kitts and Nevis going.”

SKN SOURCE spoke with Mrs. Nerys Dockery, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who provided details about celebratory events held in New York. 

The Independence 40 Anniversary Grand Gala and Cultural Extravaganza, which took place on Friday, September 22, and was attended by over 600 nationals living in New York and the neighboring areas, was hosted by Prime Minister Dr. Drew. A night of vibrant cultural performances, masquerades, mocko jumbies, dance, and song was presented to the audience. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office honored the guests with a cultural performance as well.

At that gala, Dr. Andrea Browne received the Prime Minister’s Legacy Award as a Woman of Excellence in Science, Ms. Pheonetia Browne received the Prime Minister’s Youth Excellence Award in Sports, and Professor Caryl Phillip received the Prime Minister’s Legacy Award of Leadership and Excellence in the Literary Arts.  

Other events held in Canada and the USA include a Thanksgiving Service in Toronto sponsored by the St. Kitts and Nevis Consulate as well as a flag raising ceremony at Toronto City Hall and 40th Independence Anniversary Service held at the Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church.