Photo: Prime Minister Harris delivering commemorative address. The ceremony was chaired by Ms Vesta Southwell (right), a daughter of National Hero Rt. Excellent Sir Paul Southwell.
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, September 17, 2019 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has five national heroes and according to Prime Minister and Minister of People Empowerment, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, determination will be made regarding as to how contributions of several other persons that would have inspired the nation could be immortalised.
“Every nation has its heroes,” said Prime Minister Harris at the Ceremony for Observance of National Heroes’ Day 2019 held on Monday September 16 at the National Heroes’ Park. “There are people who have furthered their Country’s standing through their struggle, herculean efforts, sacrifice and productive outputs.”
Noting that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is no exception and it was fitting that on National Heroes’ Day the country’s citizens commemorate those who have left a lasting impression on their homeland St. Kitts and Nevis, the Prime Minister said all five national heroes were part of the independence struggle and had a role in fashioning the country’s final outcome.
Dr Harris was cheered by the hundreds of nationals and residents who had assembled at the National Heroes’ Park when he announced that his government will also make determinations how it can immortalise the contribution of several other persons who have inspired the nation.
“Among these are Kim Collins our sports legend; Kenrick Georges the author and composer of our national anthem, and legendary musician; Elston ‘Ellie Matt’ Nero – Musician and calypsonian extraordinaire; Keith ‘Kayamba’ Gumbs and Atiba Harris in Sports; Zack Nisbett in culture and heritage; and Leroy Willet in photography for outstanding contribution to nation building,” the Prime Minister announced.
The five national heroes are the Rt. Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the Rt. Excellent Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, the Rt. Excellent Sir Joseph Nathaniel France, the Rt. Excellent Sir Simeon Daniel, and the only living National Hero and First Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr the Rt. Excellent and Rt. Hon Sir Kennedy A. Simmonds.
According to Prime Minister Harris, heroes are important for the task of anchoring and building a nation, whether they are political or religious leaders, entertainers, or athletes. He added that they serve a purpose in the society and help to give the people hope and provide examples for success.
The colourful ceremony, which was held under windy conditions, was attended by Governor General His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, GCMG, CVO, QC, JP, and Deputy Governor General for Nevis Her Honour Mrs Hyleta Liburd. Others included the only Living National Hero Sir Kennedy Simmonds, Speaker of the National Assembly Hon Michael Perkins, President of the Nevis Island Assembly the Hon Farrel Smithen, members of the Federal and Nevis Island Assemble Cabinets, and members of the diplomatic corps.