Last Updated on January 26, 2025, 8:25 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis: Chelsea and England striker Cole Palmer wore the flag of St Kitts and Nevis on his boots to honour his grandad and the roots of his family. Held on December 8, 2024, in London, Palmer proudly promoted his Caribbean connection in a match against Manchester United and secured victory by 4-3 scores.
Palmer showcased his roots and completed his hat trick in the match, leading Chelsea towards victory. However, his boots have made waves across the social media and the football world as nobody imagined Manchester-born player’s connection with small island state like St Kitts and Nevis.
On this, Minister of Sports, Samal Duggins noted that they understand that the thing is unbelievable as when they look at Palmer, people don’t naturally think about St Kitts and Nevis, but his gesture tells the story of their rich heritage.
Cole Palmer’s connection with St Kitts and Nevis
Cole Palmer has connection with St Kitts and Nevis because of his grandfather Sterry who belonged to Basseterre, a capital of the Federation. Sterry was born on December 27, 1953, who used to live in the house which was built by his grandfather Charles Ward and grandmother Emily Dore in St Kitts and Nevis.
Sterry’s one of the cousins, Ossie Martin shared his experience with the life in St Kitts and Nevis and noted that his family was being called rich, and his home consisted of four bedrooms, a tiled bathroom, kitchen, dining room and a living room.
However, Sterry’s parents, Estelle Ward and James Palmer decided to leave St Kitts and Nevis for better lifestyle and headed to the United Kingdom in 1955. Due to his Sterry was raised by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins as his parents travelled to UK on government’s call for the need of the labour to rebuild the economy after war.
Martin’s childhood memories with Palmer’s grandfather in St Kitts
Martin also shared his childhood memories with Palmer’s grandfather Sterry in St Kitts and Nevis and outlined that they would play in the park across the road. “We’d make our own carts and used to play with steel drums and then use a stick to guide the rim for a bicycle wheel.”
He said that the childhood memories with St Kitts and Nevis were amazing as they both spent quite a enjoyful time.
Sterry travel to England
In 1960, Sterry’s family decided to call them in England and the at age of six, he along with his cousins such as St Clair, Ossie, and Ossie’s younger brother Errol travelled. After this, Sterry’s parents had settled in Moss Side, Manchester along with other families from St Kitts and Nevis and then their family started belonging from the area.
Ossie explained their migration and noted that it was depressing at first, but they became habitual to the lifestyle there in London. Sterry and Ossie were interested in football game, and they used to play in Kippax Street in Manchester.
Ossie noted that they are proud of their grandchild Palmer who achieved great success in the football field.
Palmer has flag of St Kitts and Nevis
In order to give respect to his roots, Cole Palmer carries flag of St Kitts and Nevis and stiches into his boots alongside the England flag. He said that his dad used to tell the stories of St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, which is why, he wanted to show respect to his dad’s family.
Notably, Palmer is famous personality among the children of St Kitts and Nevis as his “cold goal celebration” is loved by school children.
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew’s reaction
Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew also expressed delight and hailed the culture of St Kitts and Nevis. He said that the children are hearing more about Cole Palmer every day and feel proud that his granddad was from their own homeland.
Notably, Palmer’s dad Jermaine also sent dozens of Chelsea shirts to Grassroots Football Academy in St Kitts and Nevis in December, aiming to encourage children towards football.
PM Drew added that Palmer’s story is an example of resilience and never forgetting their roots as when he steps out, they connect with him, the whole St Kitts and Nevis connects with him which is quite inspiring.
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.
