Last Updated on March 22, 2023, 2:55 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis is celebrating World Down syndrome Day under the theme of “With Us, not for us” The theme of the celebration is a testament to the government’s commitment to providing inclusivity within the community of people who have down syndrome. The government aims to assure the community that they are a part of them and not different from them.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities dedicated the whole day to the celebration of the children who are born with an extra copy of Chromosome 21. The Minister responsible for Youth Empowerment, ageing and disabilities, Dr Geoffrey Hanley, also spread awareness regarding World Down Syndrome Day. The Minister put on his funny socks to commemorate the occasion.
He appeared in a short video and urged the people of St Kitts and Nevis to support the initiative With us, Not for us” during the 2023 edition of the celebration. The Ministry of Youth Affairs, ageing and disabilities have also extended its heartfelt greetings on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day. Several social media users and politicians also joined them and spread their greetings.
Accordingly, the Junior Minister of Ageing and Disabilities, Senator Isalean Phillip, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Denzil Douglas. Minister of Youth Empowerment, Ageing and disabilities Dr Geoffrey Hanley made it into the list of leaders who shared their greetings.
Meanwhile, the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School, the only school in St Kitts and Nevis that caters to special needs students, commemorated the occasion through the Down Syndrome King and Queen Show. Several students participated in the festivities to promote inclusivity within the community for children born with down syndrome.
The results for the King and Queen Pageant at the Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School were also declared prompty. Out of the students who participated in the competition,
Justin was declared the King
Kianique was declared the Queen
1st runner up boy – Damien
1st runner up girl – Erica
2nd runner up boy – Junieve
2nd runner up girl – Novella
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.
