BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, MARCH 23RD 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has lauded the contribution of late Basseterre businesswoman, Mrs. Josephine Astaphan to the development of the twin-island Federation.
Commending the Ministry of Gender Affairs on its recent honouring of women in the Society, Prime Minister Douglas used the opportunity to laud contribution of Mrs. Astaphan who died recently at the age of 91 years.
“Mrs. Astaphan and her husband, at first, and then Mrs. Astaphan, owned and managed a business which most of us, at one time or another, patronized. She provided an important service to our nation and our community, and she will be missed,” said Dr. Douglas.
He saluted the Ministry of Gender Affairs for its fresh and innovative decision to honor the lives of those women who have made important contributions to the Federation’s experiences and advancement as a people.
“It is a fact that those cultures – the world over – who know their history, not simply in a text-book sense, but in real and vibrant ways, are those that are healthiest, those that are most resilient, those that can withstand the stresses associated with rapid technological and other changes,” said Prime Minister Douglas on Tuesday during his weekly radio call in programme.
He said the Ministry of Gender Affairs clearly understands its role by helping the twin-island Federation “to remember, honour, and celebrate our own women thus ensuring that we will respect, honor, and uplift ourselves.”
