By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 30th July 2026) — Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has urged citizens and residents to celebrate the upcoming Emancipation holiday weekend responsibly, cautioning against drinking and driving while encouraging the nation to support Nevis’ Culturama celebrations.
Speaking during the adjournment of the National Assembly on Thursday 30th July 2026, he appealed to the public to place safety at the forefront as the Federation prepares for a busy holiday weekend marked by cultural activities and festivities.
“As we go into the weekend of festivities, I want to ask our people to be safe,” the Prime Minister said.
“I want to ask our people to be mindful. Drinking and driving doesn’t mend, Madame Speaker. That can lead to all sorts of things, including deadly accidents.”
Dr. Drew urged the public to look out not only for themselves but also for others.
“I’m asking our people to be mindful, to enjoy themselves and to take care of themselves and to take care of each other.”
The Prime Minister also encouraged citizens and residents throughout the Federation to support the annual Culturama celebrations in Nevis as part of the Emancipation observance.
“Madame Speaker, this week is what we call August weekend, and there are celebrations taking place in Nevis…Culturama, and I want to invite the whole country to support the Culturama celebrations as part of our Federation’s life as we recognize the culmination of the scourge of slavery and the wicked institution of slavery, Madam Speaker,” he said.
As he reflected on the significance of the Emancipation period, PM Drew also remembered those who lost their lives in the MV Christena Disaster.
“…we also remember persons who would have lost their lives to the Christena Disaster, Madame Speaker, and let us never ever forget that incident that would have taken so many lives and would have affected us even to this day.”
The Prime Minister noted that the monument located near the National Museum serves as a tribute to those who perished in the tragedy and referenced ongoing work at the museum.
“Presently, as you know, we have a monument in recognition of those who would have lost their lives [located] next to our National Museum, which we are wrapping up the refurbishment on, and so we’re hoping to be able to present all of it to our people.”
He added that the museum would continue to preserve the memory of the tragedy.
“I would say to our people, the National Museum, and all that they would have in there that would also represent what took place during the Christena Disaster. Also, the monument dedicated to those who would have lost their lives.”
