Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 30, 2020 (ZIZ News):
By: Chaïra Flanders
While reflecting on the life and times of Mr. Richard Caines, well-known Cultural Preservationist, Mr. Winston Zack Nisbett, MH told ZIZ that he wants the nation to remember his good friend as a wonderful man of stature.
During a brief interview with ZIZ on Wednesday, Nisbett said he remembers Mr. Caines as the Minister of Finance who served under the first government with the first Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Excellent, Sir Kennedy Simmonds from 1980-1993 and said he believes that his outstanding work ethic as finance Minister helped to inspire Prime Minister of St. Kitts Nevis, Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris.
“My memory dates back to the days when Mr. Caines was a Minister of Finance in the PAM/NRP government and what a giant of a man. His fiscal prudence was second to none and I believe that this is where our present Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris gained his impetus”, he said.
Zack said that Mr. Caines was a generous person who was always ready and willing to assist financially.
“My string band, the ‘Zack’s International String Band’, everywhere we go, we go at his home when we are serenading, we go down at his business and he always gives us a substantial amount of finance to cover our cost. He always appreciates us when we come and he came to the workshop and lecture as well on one or two occasions to the extent where he gave questions and answers and gave out monies to those who came out on top, so Mr. Caines is a wonderful gentleman”, he expressed.
Nisbett also explained that it was actually through his Annual summer camp that Mr Caines grew to know the Grade 5 students who he later adopted at the Dr. William Connor Primary school.
Mr Caines also celebrated his birthday with them on October 4 2019.
He later treated them at his Greenlands home to an early Christmas luncheon that was attended by Governor General His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Shawn K Richards as well as the First Prime Minister and only living National Hero, Dr the Right Excellent Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.
Zack said Mr. Caines was a caring man who continuously looked out for the best interest of the people around him including the students.
He said his passing is a great loss to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“He always kept asking, what about the children them and the children got so affiliated to him, it was like his own children and he was always willing to contribute not just to the children but to all avenues and spectrum of the society. He was a man of substance and one who will be missed. He is going to leave a void in our community”, an emotional Zack stated.
Mr. Caines was also known for his role in Cabinet as the Minister of Finance who served under the People’s Action Movement (PAM) administration with the first Prime Minister, Dr. Rt. Excellent, Sir Kennedy Simmonds from 1980-1993.
The well renowned business man, political activist, and former educator Richard Caines passed on Monday July 27 2020 just after 11pm.
He was 87.