BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 18th September 2019) –A total of seventeen (17) nationals from various fields including music, sports and education have been approved to receiveNational Honours Award.
Officers on parade during the National Heroes ceremony (SKNIS photo) Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris (right) seen with the only living national hero and first Prime Minister of St.Kitts-Nevis the Rt. Excellent Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds during the National Heroes ceremony (SKNIS photo) The only living national hero Rt. Excellent Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds, the country’s first Prime Minister about to enter his vehicle to leave the ceremony (SKNIS photo)
This announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris while speaking at the government’s annual National Heroes ceremony held at the National Heroes Park on Monday 16th September.
“Today, we celebrate our national heroes and all other unsung heroes for their contribution to nation building. Our Governor General has approved the following National recipients of Honours Award consistent with the National Honour Act.”
The individuals listed under the Companion of the Star of Merit are as follows: Dr. Calvin Hazel – for Spiritual Development and Advancement of our People, Bishop Joseph Henville – for Religion and Community Development, Mr. Erstein Edwards – for Public Service and Diplomacy, Mr. Augustine Merchant – for Agricultural Development in Service to the Nation, Mr. Bruce Skerritt – for Music locally, regionally and internationally as well as Mrs. Marilyn Bertie Guishard – for Education and Religion, Mr. Lester Blackett – for Sports, Mrs. Yvette Slack – for Pre-School Education and Community Activism, Mr. Antonio Liburd – for Culture, Mr Evered (Webbo) Herbert – for Broadcasting, Mrs. Arabella Nisbett – for Farming, Mrs. Earlene Maynard – for Education, Mr. Anthony Evelyn – for Ongoing Efforts to Enhance the Cause of Building Contractors, Ms. Julietta Martin – for Performing Arts (Dance), Mrs Alice Swanston – for Education and Community Outreach and Mr. Oswald Elliott – for Education and Mr. Michael (Mic Heyliger) Stokes – for Musical Production and Artistry.
“Heroes are important, whether they are political or religious leaders, entertainers, or athletes. They serve a purpose in our society and they help give people hope and provide examples for success,” Dr. Harris stated.
He continued: “Through the story of their successes, and indeed their failures too, other people can understand their talents and their will to succeed. Perhaps nothing is more powerful than the power to inspire.”
He encouraged that “In our daily lives what we ourselves do, as captains of industry and commerce or members of the medical or any other fraternity can evoke a spirit of heroism, which in turn creates a climate of hope, which can help facilitate change for the better.”
“We are a developing nation and we seek advancement for our islands. Our National Heroes have left us their example to show us how to serve our people and how to deliver enlightenment and hope. In their stories we can all take pride and learning. To be sure none of them found themselves conflicted between their loyalty for St Kitts and Nevis and their loyalty to another Country. Such was their patriotism and love for St Kitts and Nevis,” he said further.