By Precious Mills
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts ( Monday 6th February 2023)- “an unswerving commitment to integrity in all matters” has been highlighted by the newly-installed Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd among other areas that are key to carrying out her duties.
She made the disclosure during her inaugural address at the installation ceremony held on Saturday 4th February 2023 at Government House located at Springfield whereby she addressed the significance of the position of Governor General.“A question frequently asked by many see it as a position of pomp and ceremony, others as a figurehead, just a representative of the British Monarchy; in this case King Charles III, and yet others as someone aloof and apart from the citizenry.” Dame Marcella added: “I wish to dispel those notions and assure you that yes there is pomp and ceremony at times, yes I am the representative of King Charles III but as your Governor-General I am committed to and will act in accordance with the Constitution, the Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance that I took on the first instance on the 1st of February and repeated today as a formal acceptance of my appointment as Governor-General. The position demands firm leadership, critical decision making in accordance with the Constitution and the law and an unswerving commitment to integrity in all matters.” Additionally, she linked her experience in previous leadership roles as such that will enhance her performance in the new capacity.“As a woman who has served my country at various levels of leadership and multiple roles as educator, mentor for the youth, national netball player, national netball coach, sports administrator, legal right advocate, women’s rights advocate, senator, deputy speaker, speaker, parliamentary representative for the people of Central Basseterre and minister of government, I am confident that the experience garnered in these various roles will enhance my performance as Governor-General.” – LOCAL NEWS – 3 According to Dame Marcella: “My readiness for service to this country, its citizens and residents is paramount, unqualified and legendary.
I therefore stand committed to making a difference in the execution of my duties and to make myself available to the citizens and residents in our beloved federation.” Dame Marcella spoke about being the first female to occupy the position.“Today I stand before you as your new Governor-General, humbled by the awesome task ahead, grateful for the trust bestowed on me by the government and people of St. Christopher and Nevis and mindful of the blood, sweat and tears; the sacrifices made by our ancestors-those on whom shoulders we stand.
Today I am in position to follow in the huge footsteps of my predecessors in office , Sir Clement Arindell, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian , Sir Edmund Lawrence and Sir Tapley Seaton who have so ably served our proud federation at the highest level with one conspicuous difference-they were all male.” “As the first female to be elevated to the office of head of state, I am acutely aware of the history of the moment on my journey through service to the people of St. Christopher and Nevis and to the nation that I love so dearly,” she noted.
She also stated during her remarks, “Our government’s commitment to gender equality resonates powerfully throughout the history of our twin-island’s history today and will be indelibly etched in the annals of our proud country.” The newly-installed Governor-General expressed: “I’m fully cognizant of my role as Governor-General,and in the spirit of my oaths, I affirm my commitment to serve all of my country men and women and my beloved country with humility, selflessness, excellence and integrity.” Front Page Image: The newly-installed GovernorGeneral Her Excellency Dame Marcella Liburd while making her inaugural speech at Government House on Saturday 4th February 2023 (SKNIS photo)
