Kittitians and Nevisians around the world lauded for celebrating Independence 30

Miami, Florida, September 25th 2013 (CUOPM) – The people of St. Kitts and Nevis can be proud of the achievements made over the last 30 years.

Addressing an event to mark the 30th Anniversary of Independence and the 15th Annual Dinner and Ball of the St. Kitts and Nevis Association of South Florida (SNAF) at the Howard Johnson Hotel last Saturday, Prime Minister Douglas lauded nationals of the Federation for celebrating this significant milestone.

“This occasion has been celebrated all over the world, in private homes, churches, embassies, missions, on the street corners b our people and government. This is significant at this time because it is signaling to the world that we have attain adulthood, which to a large extent signifies achievements, maturity and the ability to plan for the years ahead,” said Dr. Douglas.

He said there is no nation in the world that has not been challenged by the global economic and financial recession.

“There have been challenges and there will always be challenges, but a people and a nation bond together and can do better when they rise to meet the challenges,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who pointed to a St. Kitts and Nevis in 1953, thirty years before political independence and pointed to home ownership, land ownership, educational opportunities, infrastructural development and other socio-economic and political achievements over the last 30 years.

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Mrs. Jacinth Henry-Martin

Prime Minister Douglas referred to the contributions of Sir Robert L. Bradshaw, Sir Joseph N. France, Sir C.A. Paul Southwell, Sir Kennedy Simmonds, Sir Simeon Daniel and others in moving St. Kitts and Nevis from adult suffrage, Statehood and Independence.

He noted that when the National Flag of St. Kitts and Nevis was raised in 1983, “our people signaled then that we were ready to make our own path as a Nation to interact with the rest of the world in a positive way,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

“I believe that with the support of our people, with the continued dedicated service of our people, those who are at home and those of you who are resident here in Florida and elsewhere, who have kept those very strong bonds of family ties, brotherhood and sisterhood and friendship with your homeland, we are confident that we can achieve more individually and nationally for the next 30 years,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

The invocation at the event was given by Pastor Frank Glasford; the President’s address was delivered by Mr. E. Austin Caines and remarks were delivered by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin.

Keynote Speaker was St. Kitts and Nevis’ Honorary Consul in Florida and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida, Mr. Brian Keely.

The association also honoured the First Prime Minister Dr. the Right Hon. Sir Kennedy Simmonds, who did not attend the Ball.

Ms. Culturama 2013, Ms. Jomelle Elliott made two appearances and other events including a fashion show and selections by the Fya-wuk band.