Last Updated on December 20, 2023, 3:52 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Eight individuals were recognized by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis through the Ministry of Sustainable Development for their contributions to the Federation’s identity.
The recipients were:
- Maker of the National Flag, Edrice Lewis-Viechwe.
- Inventor of the National Dish, Jacqueline Rya.
- The creators of the National Wear are Dwayne Weekes, Dr Joylette, Grace and Vaughn Woodle.
- The songwriter of the National Anthem, Kenrick Georges, is deceased.
- Kaya Archibald, who was nicknamed the Independence Baby, was born on 19 September 1983 and also received a plot of land.
Kenrick Georges’s daughter, Kenricia Georges, received his reward. However, during the ceremony, Sandra Cotton, a relative, accepted on behalf of the family.
Minister of Sustainable Development et al., Dr Joyelle Clarke, highlighted that it was a partnership among the technical teams within the Departments that make up the Ministry of Sustainable Development.
These include :
- Physical Planning
- Lands & Survey
- Land Sales
- Urban Resilience
- Development.
Dr Joyelle Clarke shed light that the partnership was extended to the Cabinet, where the Attorney General highlighted his involvement within the legal framework and processes therein.
Shez Dore Tyson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, praised Kittitians and Nevisians for their land empowerment, stating that the distribution is symbolic and a tribute to their 40-year contributions.
“You all have worked tremendously well in empowering Kittitians and Nevisians through the land. It is the mandate of the government. Importantly, the distribution is not only important but symbolic in recognizing the importance of 40 years and what these persons have done for us. So, giving a piece of the rock is the very least that we can do for you and your generations.” said Shez Dore Tyson
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, emphasized the importance of tangible gifts for national icons, stating that they can contribute to their wealth profile and pass on assets to future generations.
The ceremony, part of the Independence 40 celebrations, aimed to distribute a piece of the nation’s identity to these individuals.
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.
