Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has revealed that a formal request has been made to His Majesty King Charles III for the conferment of a Knighthood on a distinguished national of St. Kitts and Nevis. The announcement was made during the 93rd Annual Convention of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) on Sunday, 18th May.
Dr. Drew confirmed that the request has already received the endorsement of Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd, and the honour is expected to be officially conferred in 2026.
“This is something that we, as a country, can be proud of. I had the distinct honour of speaking directly with His Majesty King Charles III, and I made this request on behalf of our people,” the Prime Minister told the audience at the Convention.
While the name of the individual was not disclosed, speculation has centred on two of the Federation’s most iconic sporting legends: Elquemedo Willet and Kim Collins.
Elquemedo Willet, born in 1953, made history in 1973 when he became the first Leeward Islander to play Test cricket for the West Indies. At just 19 years old, Willet’s achievement paved the way for generations of cricketers from the region. In recognition of his achievements and role in youth development, the Elquemedo T. Willet Park in Nevis bears his name.
Kim Collins, born on 5th April, 1976, is internationally celebrated for becoming the 2003 World Champion in the men’s 100 metres. He remains the only athlete from St. Kitts and Nevis to claim a World Championship gold medal and has represented the Federation at five Olympic Games. The Kim Collins Athletic Stadium in Basseterre stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and contribution to sports.
While St. Kitts and Nevis has traditionally taken a reserved approach to the conferral of knighthoods, it is also possible—much like in some neighbouring nations—that the honour may eventually extend to outstanding individuals from the political or business spheres who have rendered yeoman’s service to the Federation. This would certainly broaden the field of consideration, though the number of possible nods would remain limited and thoroughly well deserved.
“This moment is more than a national honour—it’s a celebration of excellence, perseverance and the power of representation,” Dr. Drew said, expressing gratitude to the Office of the Governor-General and the Crown for their support of this historic move.
The conferment of a Knighthood will mark another milestone in the Federation’s journey of national recognition, spotlighting the outstanding contributions of its citizens to regional and global progress.
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