Local activities to commemorate 60-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II launched by Governor General Sir Cuthbert

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 20TH 2011 (CUOPM) – Re-enactments of the Battle between the British and French for St. Kitts and the marriage of Lord Horatio Nelson to Nevisian beauty, Fannie Nisbett; a Royal Visit to St. Kitts and Nevis and a Ceremonial Parade and Recital, are among several events planned to mark the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.

St. Kitts and Nevis Governor General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian (front row second from the right) seated with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip and other Governors General. (Photo courtesy of Buckingham Palace website)

The official launch of the activities was unveiled at a ceremony under the distinguished patronage of the Governor General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian.

The events, which will run from November 2011 to June 2012, include the visit of the Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner on December 6th 2011; a Ceremonial Parade and Recital on February 6th 2012; a Royal Visit to St. Kitts and Nevis in February 2012 and the official designation of the Royal St. Kitts National Park and the Royal Nevis Botanical Garden in February 2012; Re-enactment of the marriage of Lord Horatio Nelson to Nevisian beauty Fannie Nisbett on 29th March 2012; Re-enactment of the Battle between the British and French on 31st March 2012 and an Official Ceremony and Ecumenical Service on June 3rd 2012.

Also announced during the event at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s Sir Cecil Jacobs auditorium were the launch of a school awareness programme in November 2011; Information Display at Schools and Government websites between December 2011 and June 2012; National Greening Competition between December 2011 and June 2012; Commemorative Stamp Competition in the period January 2012 to March 2012; Week of Volunteerism and announcement of winners in the various competitions in March 2012; Distribution of Awards and Prizes and release of Commemorative Stamp in April 2012 and a six-mile Diamond Jubilee Walk in May 2012.

In remarks at the launching of the celebrations to mark the 60th year of Her Majesty on the throne, Governor General Sir Cuthbert noted Elizabeth II not only sits as Queen of England but also as Head of State of the United Kingdom and fifteen other Commonwealth realms.

The Stinging Ants Clown Troupe performing at the Launching of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

“Queen Elizabeth is involved in charities and other organizations, and so gives her support to public and voluntary services. Thus, by her piety and love for other human beings, needs are met, prayers are answered. By her concern, the Queen shows that her heart is set aflame in the service of her God, and by her devoted example she arouses the souls of others to rise upwards,” said Sir Cuthbert, the Queen’s Representative in St. Kitts and Nevis.

He added: “In addition to the charities, our Queen lends her patronage, support and encouragement to public and voluntary sectors of various communities – from opportunities for young people to the preservation of wild life and the environment. Thus due recognition is paid to these organizations and to the many different sectors of public life.”

He said: “This says that the Queen acknowledges that there is a depth and sacredness in every-day life, and also within her lies a passion of religious fervor.

“Our Queen has not wedded her thoughts and her capacities to the history of human infamy and human turbulence. Instead, her thoughts are constructive. As heir presumptive she devoted her time to the study of constitutional history and Law in preparation for her further role. She likewise received instructions in Religion so that God’s word would be a lamp unto her feet and a light unto her path. She learned French, so that in her graciousness she might put French speaking Heads of State and Ambassadors at ease by conversing with them in their own language. Her study of Art and Music, her ability to swim and ride on horse-back fitted well with her periods of relaxation,” said Sir Cuthbert, as he launched the 8-month activities.

A play by Laughlin Tatem performers (Photo by Erasmus Williams)

Welcome remarks were delivered by Ambassador Plenipotentiary Her Excellency Roslyn Hazelle, who chaired the ceremony.

Deputy Governor General of Nevis and Deputy Chairman of the Diamond Jubilee Committee, His Honour Mr. Eustace John gave opening remarks, while a brief address was delivered by Minister of Culture, Hon. Marcella Liburd. A message from the Barbados-based British High Commissioner was also read.

Among the invited guests were Ministers of the Federal Cabinet; Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Curtis Martin and Members of Parliament; Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic and Consular Corps; Sir K. Dwight Venner Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB); former Governor Sir Probyn and Lady Inniss; Lady Hulda Lawrence, senior government and private sector officials and students of the Basseterre High School, Verchilds Secondary School, Washington Archibald High School and the Cayon High School.

There were also cultural performances by the Stinging Ants Clown Troupe and a play by a group led by Laughlin Tatem.