Last Updated on September 20, 2022, 7:15 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis is celebrating 39 years of Independence from the British Empire on Monday, September 19, 2022. St Kitts and Nevis was declared independent in the year 1983.
The Premier of Nevis and Leader of the Concerned Citizens Movement, Mark Brantley, entrusted with ensuring the smooth administration of Nevis Island, took to his Facebook profile on this momentous occasion to share his views, feelings and excitement over the country completing 39 years of Independence.
In the first few words, he remembered the Late Queen Elizabeth II, who died on September 8, 2022, after reigning for more than 70 years over the throne of United Kingdom. Her state funeral was also being held on the same day as the Independence Day Celebration
He wrote: Today, the 19th of September 2022, my beloved St Kitts and Nevis celebrates the 39th Anniversary of our Political Independence from Great Britain. Coincidentally, it falls on the day that Queen Elizabeth II, an icon of duty and commitment to public service, is being laid to rest.
He remembered the year the Nation was granted Independence, recollecting: In 1983 I was a mere 2nd form student at the Charlestown Secondary School, blissfully unaware of the future! I recall that the celebration of our Independence seemed to bring much hope, excitement and expectation.
In a long and heartfelt note, that the Premier of Nevis posted on his social media, he recollected a number of things, expressed his happiness regarding a number of achievements, his sorrow for the shotcomings, made a number of suggestions, and expressed his gratefulness to the gods for 39 years of Independence. He wrote:
The intervening 39 years from that happy day have brought many highs and lows. As we advance to 40, we need to measure our progress: critically assessing our maturity as a Nation, setting new goals and checking whether we need a mid-course correction.
We have seen our Nation develop an enviable Tourism Sector that wins accolades from prestigious magazines and tour operators worldwide. We are the preferred vacation destination of the rich and famous and the regular traveller seeking only our pristine environment, warm hospitality and diverse cuisine. Some aspects of our infrastructure have seen significant improvement.
We have seen significant advancement in human resource development, where our high school graduates attain acclaim in colleges and universities worldwide. Our Nationals occupy leading positions in global corporations and international organizations, all based on the solid platform offered by our education system. Our Nationals have graced the world stage at the Olympics and International levels.
We have made several significant strides in our crime reduction initiatives. Our health care and agricultural sectors have evolved into modern and sophisticated systems that meet our needs far more efficiently than we did nearly forty years ago.
However, while both islands have seen their varied individual development and our people-to-people interaction has remained strong, our most significant deficiency has been a cordial and forthright relationship between the Government of Basseterre and the Government in Charlestown.
While we have seen our islands advance in many areas, we have also been through some very turbulent times, which have not only retarded our development but have also created deep fissures between our two communities.
At this, our 39th Anniversary of Independence gives us reason to pause, examine the political deficiencies in the relationship between St Kitts and Nevis, and reassess our commitment to our Independence Motto: “Country above Self”.
As our (political independence) approaches the age of 40, we need to reflect on our profile and examine whether we have kept the pledge inherent in our National Anthem: Are we two islands but One “Nation, bound together in a Common Destiny”?
On this 39th Anniversary, the Nationals of St Kitts and Nevis should make time for weighty introspection. We as a people must honestly examine our roles in nation-building. We must ask ourselves whether we are obstacles to our Nation’s development or whether we will become cornerstones for the next generation.
As teachers, administrators, lawyers, politicians, doctors, architects, engineers, nurses, calypsonians, bus drivers, farmers, tailors, restauranteurs, or even students, we must each make strenuous efforts to commit to a partnership between these two islands. Such a partnership must forge an unbreakable bond of unity and prosperity born out of our respect, deep and abiding familial ties, and love. –
In his Facebook Post, the Premier termed this love to be as bottomless as the channel between our two islands.
In the words of the inimitable “Queeny G, “We’re in this together”! This Anniversary coming on the heels of a politically turbulent year, demands our recommitment to the ideals set by our National Heroes. Like John F. Kennedy before them, we must ask not what our country can do for us but what we can do for our country.
This year’s anniversary theme calls on us to “Refocus, Re-create, Redesign: Independence 39”. These are incredibly aspirational words. Are we just going to talk the talk? Or are we, as a people serious about nation-building, going to walk the talk? We must do as we say! Let us be determined to heal the rifts, build new bridges, and aim for win-win solutions in all our difficulties.
Our calypsonians, from Meeko to Socrates, from Bingi to Queeny G, from Astro to Big Lice, have repeatedly challenged us to see the Beauty in our Land, to be the Peace and Justice we want, to be strong in our love, and unwavering in our commitment. Together, we can do this. Together, we can overcome ancient prejudices and forgive old hurts. Together, we can resolve to do better and to be better.
In my reflection on 39 years of political Independence, I know that we have achieved much; but I feel that we still have much more to accomplish. Suppose we are to celebrate our Independence truly. In that case, we must, Refocus, Recreate and Redesign, starting with mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to the Independence ideals, starting with “Country above Self!”
While concluding his note, He wished the Residents and Citizens of St Kitts and Nevis, writing: Happy 39th Anniversary of Independence to my beloved St Kitts and Nevis, Congratulations to all Independence awardees for your contribution to nation building. May God continue to bless our Nation through his love and mercy!
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.
