By Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 12th April 2023) – “The aquatic sports this year was special. This year was more spectacular than the other years.  This is how Coordinator of the 66th Anniversary of the Basil Henderson Annual Easter Monday Aquatic Sports Meet Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett sums up the experience at the yearly event was held on Monday 10th April 2023 at the Ferry Terminal in Basseterre under the theme ‘Let’s Appreciate Our Rich Heritage.’ He expressed such sentiments during an interview with this reporter.
“The input from the public and the business sector was extra special. The persons were more dedicated, they gave their whole heart to it. You can actually feel it, and what was most intriguing was the opening prayer from Rev.
Margaret Christopher who invoked God’s blessings on the proceedings. That in itself touched me.” He noted that Mrs. Christopher and her husband (trained engineer) who attended the event are citizens of St. Kitts who reside in the UK, adding “that in itself speaks value why it was so exciting.” Nisbett continued: “The persons loved it [the event].
It flowed beautifully. The crowd participated, especially with the hams greasy pole competitions; this year we had four hams and the same gentleman who won the ham last year Felix Jones-of the two hams and two turkeys, he won one hams and a turkey, and his cousin got the other turkey.” He pointed to Jones’ having “lived up to his word” in light of the confidence level about winning which saw his walking on a greasy wooden pole extended horizontally across the water from the pier.
For the money fetch vertical pole climb competition, that prize was pocketed by Jeremiah Caines. According to Nisbett: “That extra special. He went and put his whole heart into it and won that money and I’m glad for him because he was a member of my musical string band.” The traditional swim races such as the long distance dive, butterfly, breast stroke and back stroke also took place featuring both male and female age range categories including 8-12, 13 to 16 and 17 and over.
Commenting on the impact of the sports meet, Nisbett had this to say: “The impact of the aquatic sports over the years have leftas it goes annually it keeps building. It is getting better and better, and people are responding better.
This years as I indicated was much nicer. The overseas participation. We are coming stronger and better next year with more activities.” Words of gratitude was expressed to the coast guard unit, police, EMS, Red Cross, SKELEC and all those who assisted behind the scene like Precious Mills Carolee Boddie, Pepe Isacc, Valley, Derrick Christopher Roberts who greased the competition poles as well and all others who assisted in any other way.
Sponsors and contributors were also thanked. “Thanks to one and all. May the good Lord bless and keep you and we hope that next year, we are going to make it more spectacular. Everything went down well.
I want to thank the entire populous,” Nisbett said. Front Page Photo: Felix Jones won two hams and a turkey in the greasy pole competition. He is seen here posing with prizes. (Spokesman Snap)
