Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 28, 2020 (ZIZ News): On Tuesday The Rastafari Nyabinghi Theocracy Order commemorated the 85th Anniversary of the Buckley’s Uprising with a ceremony held at Buckley’s Estate under the theme “Buckley’s Uprising St. Kitts birth place of Caribbean Democracy”.
Public Relations Officer of the Rastafari Nyabinghi Theocracy Order, Ras Iya described the event as historical and said its influence is not only found in St. Kitts and Nevis but across the region.
The Buckley’s Uprising took place on January 28th, 1935, and there have been calls from persons within the Federation to erect a monument in honor of the historic event.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor General and the Chairperson of the Buckley’s Uprising Committee, Akilah Byron-Nisbett, Director of Government House, Charisse Gumbs said that the committee has started the process of getting the monument erected however paperwork has been slow.
During the ceremony persons from the Federation were honored with plaques for their educational contributions of the Buckley’s Uprising namely Sylvine Henry, Earl Clarke, Maurice “E.K” Flanders and an award was given posthumously to Noel “Zambo” Heath which was collected by his granddaughter.
During his remarks Parliamentary Representative of Constituency number three, Hon. Konris Maynard reflected on the events that sparked the Buckley’s Uprising which lead to numerous countries in the region gaining Independence noting that St. Kitts and Nevis are “trendsetters”.
Other government officials such as Leader of the Opposition, Rt. Hon. Denzil Douglas, PAM candidate for constituency number 2, Jonell Powell and Labour candidate for constituency number eight, Dr. Terrance Drew were also present at the ceremony.