Last Updated on September 20, 2022, 3:28 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis celebrated the 39th year of Independence from British Rule on September 19, 2022. The federation gained its Independence in the year 1983. On the occasion of Independence Day, Newly elected Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, addressed the nation and referenced the many events they had celebrated the week before Independence Day’s main celebration.
He stated that our will and love for our nation had brought us this far. We are a people who are constantly stretching for the better. We have the power of our ancestors, the many unsung, known and unknown heroes we celebrated this past weekend on National Heroes Day.
He reminded the people of the various accomplishments the nation has gained since their Independence while referring to the support they still require from the rest of the world. He stated, Our political Independence was just the first step. Over the years, we have also built the foundation of our own social, economic, and cultural freedoms. I will confess that we are not free yet – as a small island nation, we depend on many international and regional partners.
However, he added, “we are on a path of continuous improvement for our people and country. And as your Fourth Prime Minister of this land – of which I am very proud to be a citizen – I am honoured to lead our country along this path.”
The Prime Minister, in the address, also stated, “Our nation is much closer to true Independence than not. As we approach 40 years as an independent nation in 2023, we also set our eyes on transitioning into a republic. We trod on towards that goal of self-determination and self-actualization where we truly encapsulate our sovereignty.”
He stressed the role played by the youth of the country in ensuring the development of the nation, stating, “That is why every time I get the opportunity to speak to our nation’s young people, I challenge them to be innovative, to be creative and to envision a better St. Kitts and Nevis and use their immense skills to help get us there.”
He stated that his words echo the call to action made by Kittitian and world-renowned photographer Professor Tau Battice during the 2022 Prime Minister’s Lecture on September 14. He encouraged us to tap into our visual and creative faculties as we envision where we would like to see St. Kitts and Nevis in the future.
Further, in his address, the Prime Minister reminded the citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis about the work the 1-month-old government had done so far in their tenure. He mentioned:
- All COVID-19-related health and travel protocols have been removed.
- A new, modern MRI has been ordered for the JNF General Hospital.
- Our Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College is now free for our students.
- Financial assistance has been enhanced for our critically ill children who need overseas medical attention.
- Persons wrongfully dismissed for not taking a COVID-19 vaccine have been compensated.
- Our COVID-19 frontline workers will soon receive an honorarium for their selfless work during the pandemic.
- Economic costs supported have been reinstated for all disciplines pursued by our students at the University of West Indies.
- Women and youth have been appointed to critical ministerial and ambassadorial positions.
- And for the first time in our nation’s history, we have three women in our Federal Cabinet of ministers.
Following this, The Prime Minister mentioned the passing of Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, stating, “Her 70-year reign was marked by resilience and righteousness, and we offer prayers and comfort to her family and all who mourn at this time.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second will be laid to rest today in England.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the Tropical Storm, Fiona, which was to pass the shores of St Kitts and Nevis. However, the crisis was averted, for which the Prime Minister thanked God.
He stated, “As we commemorate our 39th Independence, we have to thank God’s mercy over the years and more recently as our nation was spared the full brunt of Tropical Storm Fiona. I sincerely thank all the members of our National Emergency Operations Centre and our disaster response teams for keeping us safe and informed.”
Further, he stated, My fellow citizens and residents, the state of our St. Kitts and Nevis is stable and hopeful. I know this because, throughout every corner of these remarkable islands that I visit, our people are re-energized to work and build our economy; our people stop me and express how excited they are about our future.
He stated, “this gives me hope that your government is on the right path, and I continue to ask you to support us and help keep us on that path.”
While concluding his address, the Prime Minister thanked the citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis and wished them a happy Independence Day. He stated, “May God continue to bless you all, and may God continue to bless our Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
