Canadian Prime Minister, Toronto Premier and Mayor congratulate nationals on the 30th Anniversary of Independence of St. Kitts-Nevis
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) – The Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier and Mayor of Ontario have congratulated the St. Kitts and Nevis community in Canada on the 30th Anniversary of Independence.
Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Hon. Stephen Harper extended warmest greetings to everyone marking the 30th anniversary of the Independence of the Federation St. Kitts and Nevis and the 35th anniversary of the Nevcan Cultural Association of Toronto.
“Canada enjoys close and friendly ties with St. Kitts and Nevis, with both countries cooperating frequently as members of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, and the Organization of America States. Our diplomatic and trading relationship is strengthening by people – to -people links: the thousands of Canadians who can trace their roots to St. Kitts and Nevis,” said the Canadian Prime Minister in a congratulatory message in the booklet at the Official Celebrations to mark the milestone.
Mr. Harper said the celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon St. Kitts and Nevis’s vibrant past while celebrating the Federation’s achievement since independence.
“The occasion also highlights the important role the Nevcan Cultural Association of Toronto play in the community. For over 35 years this organization has been fostering fellowship amongst Nevisian Canadians while preserving their cultural heritage,” said the Canadian Prime Minister, who added that nationals “can take pride in all you have accomplished, as well as in the many contributions Kittitians and Nevisians have made to our country in all field of endeavour. On behalf of the Government of Canada, please accept my best wishes for a memorable celebration.”
Premier of Ontario, Canada, the Hon. Kathleen Wynne said in extending warm greetings to everyone attending this special gala in honour of the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, noted that Independence is a blessing that enables a country to chart its own destiny, act in its people’s best interest, and engage with other nations as partners, and friend.
“As you come together to celebrate the Independence, on September 19th, 1983, of the Federation of St. Kitts a St. Kitts and Nevis. It is a day for rejoicing. It is a time to reflect with great pride on past – and to look with confidence to the further,” said Premier Wynne.
She was said she feels fortunate to be Premier “of a place rooted in diversity, a place where our differences as a people unite and strengthen us.”
“I am proud of the St. Kitts and Nevis community in Ontario, and of the invaluable contributions you have made to the life of our province,” said the Ontario Premier, who expressed “appreciation to the Consulate General of St. Kitts and Nevis and to the community for organizing this commemorative event. Please accept my very best wishes for an uplifting and inspirational anniversary gala.”
Mayor of the City of Toronto, the Honourable Rob Hope in his message said the Independence of a country is a time of reflection, celebration and great pride.
“The independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis brings to the forefront its history, achievement, growth and success over the last five decades. As you gather with family, friends and the St. Kitts and Nevis community to celebrate this occasion, you can be extremely proud of the tremendous contribution you have made to the growth and success of Toronto and to promoting your rich culture, heritage and traditions. It is also a time to reflect upon the values we all share and treasure – peace, freedom and democracy. On behalf of Toronto City council, please accept my very best wishes for a memorable anniversary celebration,” said Mayor Hope.
Toronto Chief of Police, Mr. William Blair in extending congratulations said Canada’s multiculturalism is a great strength and the Caribbean community is an important and vibrant component of this diversity.
“I would like to thank the people of St. Kitts and Nevis for sharing your national culture and heritage with the citizens of Toronto,” said Mr. Blair.
The police chief commended the Consulate General of St. Kitts and Nevis for ensuring a successful and memorable celebration in honour of this special occasion.
“Congratulations and best wishes for a safe and joyous celebration of 30 years of independence,” said the Toronto police chief.