How much do you love St.Kitts and Nevis? What are you doing to
see to the progress, betterment and development within your respective
communities so as to collectively poise our nation on the pedestal of the ‘O
Land of Beauty’ status?
Posing these questions at this time of
year is quite appropriate in an attempt to analyse within ourselves the level
of patriotic pride we possess outside of the calendar activities that beckon
and or inspire nationalistic passion and merriment transformed into flag-waving
liveliness fitting the occasion.
Each year for our nation’s Independence
and National Heroes anniversaries observed in the month of September, we
reserve the right within our minds and hearts to exhibit the love and loyalty
that we share for our twin-island Federation; similar to numerous countries
around the globe whose citizens and residents choose to proudly display the
patriotic glow overflowing from our spiritedness.
Yes, we are thankful for the social, economic
and political gains achieved over the years whilst applauding all contributions
which have positively aided us as a people and nation despite challenges and
obstacles.
We sport our patriotic outfits, decorate
our homes and vehicles, paint heartfelt statuses on various social media
platforms and of course treat our taste buds to the national dish which mainly
consists of stewed saltfish, coconut dumpling, seasonsed and spicy plantain.
We get together with family members,
friends and colleagues at various events such as National Heroes tribute
ceremonies, state service and Independence parade as well as social gatherings
to slaute and enjoy the commemorations. We publicly show patriotic solidarity
in the ‘O Land Of Beauty’ territory in saluting from whence we came from the
control of British colonial rulers to attaining self-governing authority while
collectively applauding the contributions our national heroes in the capacity
of nation-building.
But when you think about St.Kitts and
Nevis-your birth country/ residential space-, do you think about the
physical landscape including the lush green environment as well as modern
infrastructure when it comes to its beauty aspect or do you delve deeper in
exploring what gives such definition?
Our Federation is indeed a geographic
gem, rivalling many countries in tourism market on a worldwide scale as one of
the best destinations on earth.
It
is no doubt that tourists, local tourism officials and others alike could hold
lengthy conversations about the physical impressiveness of this twin-island
paradise, and when zooming in closer on the question about beauty would
highlight the warm hospitality and friendliness of our people as top factor as
it relates the nation’s loveliness.
Indeed,
we as a people are beautiful; a priceless and intangible quality which we must
harness in a wholesome way for everyday life for present and future
generations.
Going forward, we should make a patriotic
pledge to uplift ourselves and our country in grooming our thoughts and actions
towards becoming better citizens and residents, and just like New Year’s
resolution we can refresh our mindset each time around our patriotic
celebratory period.
Obeying laws and following rules,
protecting the environment, becoming a volunteer in your community or on a
national level, respecting the rights of others and being a good neighbor are
some of the key areas that can ignite avenues of coming together through
nationalistic enthusiasm for the betterment of us all.
Throughout the year, we sing our official
national song (national anthem) ‘O Land of Beauty’ written and composed by Mr.
Kenrick Georges who died last month on Monday 26th August. It is a
musical masterpiece which highlights and arouses our hopes, history and
tradition of as a people.
Furthermore,
it is an uplifting song that we know by heart and in so doing, we sing it
heartily. However, the question has to be asked: How many of us pay attention
to its lyrical content?
For this 36th Independence
Anniversary, let us look deep within ourselves in developing our own sense of
independence by making in-control choices that will positively enrich our lives
so that we can be the heroes and ‘sheroes’ who collectively play direct and
indirect roles in the upward movement of our homeland.
See ‘O Land of Beauty’ lyrics below:
O Land of Beauty!
Our country where
peace abounds,
Thy children stand
free
On the strength of
will and love.
With God in all our
struggles,
Saint Kitts and
Nevis be,
A nation bound
together,
With a common
destiny.
As stalwarts we
stand,
For justice and
liberty.
With wisdom and
truth,
We will serve and
honor thee.
No sword nor spear
can conquer,
For God will sure
defend.
His blessings shall
forever,
To posterity extend.
Happy Independence St.Kitts and Nevis!
