Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 25, 2016 (SKNIS)—His Royal Highness Prince Henry (Harry) of Wales was energized by the performances of young people at a Youth Rally at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park on November 23 on his St. Kitts and Nevis leg of an official Caribbean tour on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.
Prince Harry, 32, seemed to relish and bask in the enthusiasm of hundreds of young people who came out to see him during Youth Month, which is commemorated in St. Kitts and Nevis in November.
From the many excited school children at Prince Harry’s points of arrival, to the energetic youthful performances 800 feet above sea level at the country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Prince Harry felt at home.
His Royal Highness and His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton were welcomed at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park to a masquerade fanfare and the cheers of hundreds of youth participating in a Youth Talent Expo as part of Youth Month 2016.
Sir Tapley presented the Brimstone Hill Society Management to Prince Harry. The Honourable Shawn K. Richards, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, game welcome remarks.
Prince Harry was then entertained by individual youth and several school performances including a poem by Seymona Hutton; performance by Okolo Tegremantine Drummers; Moko Jumbie Dance by the Sandy Point Moko Jumbies; song by Charles E. Mills Secondary School; Clown Dance and String Band by Clown Troupe; dance presentation by Poise Dance Company; song by Verchild’s High School; dance by Anjolique Dance Company; musical performance by Dejour Alexander; song by SSS Choir; and vote of thanks by Sharon Cannonier.
Prince Harry received several gifts from the young people including a book set from a young masquerader and a painting from Acting Director of Youth, Pierre Liburd. A plaque presentation of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a project dedicated to the protection of indigenous forests above 1000 feet, was presented to Prince Harry by His Excellency the Governor General Sir Tapley and unveiled by His Royal Highness.
Several youth of note were called out by Master of Ceremony for the Youth Talent Expo, De Hann Henry and presented to Prince Harry. They were Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors, Ms. Joy Napier and Mr. Sheldon T. Henry; Special Olympians Mr. Roger Crawford and Ms. Kezia Belle; one of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens for 2016, Mr. Vikell Edwards; Chevening Scholar, Ms. Sonia Boddie; President of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA), Mr. Azard Gumbs and Vice President of SKNYPA, Ms. Leanne Knight.
In his address Prince Harry spoke of the young people as being close to his heart.
“On trips like this, I am extremely fortunate to meet dignitaries and leaders from many fields but what is most important to me is having the chance to meet the young people of the countries that I visit. There is no better way to judge the future of a country than by spending time with its youth, taking the time to listen what they have to say and understanding their vision for the nation they will inherit,” said Prince Harry.
“These performances show that the young people of St. Kitts and Nevis have creativity and energy in bounds, two qualities that will set you up for the future I have no doubt, so well done and thank you so much for sharing your talent with us,” Prince Harry added.
Prince Harry was given a farewell from Brimstone Hill by masqueraders dancing.