Charlestown Christmas tree lighting ushers in festive season on Nevis

Area Representative for the St. Paul’s Parish Hon. Robelto Hector with Patron for the traditional annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Charlestown Mr. Arthur Evelyn

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (DECEMBER 12, 2012) — The traditional annual tree lighting ceremony on Nevis hosted by the Ministry of Social Development in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), ushered in the 2012 festive Christmas Season when the Patron, Charlestown businessman and resident Mr. Arthur Evelyn flicked the switch which lit the tree and the Memorial Square, next to the over 187-year old Court House on December 10th.

The event was witnessed by many, among them Government Officials who sang along while a number of participants belted out Christmas carols in song, dance, steel pan and poetry. Area Representative for St. Pauls Parish and Minister Hon. Robelto Hector in brief remarks, offered a personal prayer for unity and togetherness which would foster a better community and also spoke to the strides made for the year.

“As we approach the end of a very successful year in the further development of this our nature isle, Nevis, notably, as a government we have significantly advanced work in improving the water supply this year. So too we have eased the congestion and discomfort in our villages by improving our road network.

Patrons at the annual Charlestown Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Memorial Square in Charlestown

“Our nationals continue to benefit from the expansion of our housing programme and in Charlestown we saw the commencement of our long awaited Hamilton Road Project. For the Department of Agriculture, a Ministry I lead has been able to offer cheaper fruits and vegetables and meat products to the general public,” he said.

Mr. Hector reminded those present that “our little country” was on the move and the NIA continued to deploy significant resources towards the remarkable development the country continued to enjoy.

He urged them to use the season to reflect and to look inward to identify ways in which they could further contribute to the development of Nevis and not dwell on the past lost opportunities. Instead they should resolve to invite new opportunities which pertained to the future.

“We must each acknowledge our individual responsibility towards this country and towards each other. We must embrace the philosophy that we can only have the society that we are willing to work towards,” the Area Representative said.

A joyous moment for Patron of the 2012 Charlestown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Memorial Square in Charlestown Mr. Arthur Evelyn and Area Representative for the St. Pauls Parish and Minister in the Nevis Island Administration Hon. Robelto Hector

Meantime, Mr. Hector reflected on the contributions made by Mr. Evelyn over the past 66 years with the unwavering support of his late wife which had contributed to the development of Charlestown.

“On behalf of the Government and people of this country I want to thank you and commend you Mr. Evelyn for your sterling contribution to Nevis and pray God’s blessing on you and your family. Charlestown and indeed Nevis is a better place due to the sterling contribution and dedicated service of Mr. Evelyn.

“I want to take the time to offer thanks to Mr. Ken Evelyn, your brother for working again to make this reality of the first Christmas tree lightening here in Charlestown. Mr. Evelyn the Government and people of this country commend you for your service. Our prayer is that God’s blessings would continue to be bestowed on you and your family. May this Christmas Season be special for you and your family and may God’s abundant peace be yours,” he said.

Moments before the tree lighting, Mr. Hector presented a gift basket and a Certificate of Recognition to the Patron on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development, for his valuable contribution to the Nevisian Community.