FAA’s birthday coincides with Nation’s birthday
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - By coincidence or good fortune The Floral Arrangers Association celebrates its birthday on the same day as the nation of St. Kitts Nevis - September 19.
This has therefore resulted in the Association being moved to serve the nation’s anniversary and theirs by carrying out civic duties for country and self.
Each year the Floral Association serves by decorating the Church for the Independence Service and mounting a display for general public pleasure.
This year on the 28th anniversary of the nation, the gift is a floral display mounted in the enclosed entrance at Government Headquarters.
Members, under the leadership of President Gary Thompson, the sole male member, braved the inclement weather on Sunday, September 11 to ensure that the display would usher in the start of the Nation’s celebration, and to further the cause of Peace in our land through the beauty of our home – grown blooms and foliage (from arrangers’ gardens and budding floral industries)
The floral display includes a mannequin, “Miss Independence” dressed in her National dress and surrounded with artistic arrangements of Kittitian blooms: a variety of anthuriums, gingerlilies, heliconias. These were enhanced by foliage, such as shaped palms, variegated leaves: crotons dracaena and evergreen leaves.
Other activities on the Floral Arrangers Association’s schedule include:
1. Anniversary Service in a church decorated by the Arrangers. This year they will worship at the Cayon Seventh Day Adventist Church.
2. Wreath laying on graves of past active members.
3. Donating to charity.
4. Planting a national tree, the Poinciana, in the Independence Square.
This year the Floral Arrangers Association celebrates its 31st birthday and thoughts will go back to its Founder/ First President, the late Mrs. Irma Didier’s Vision: not only to stimulate members’ interest in flowers and flower arranging, but also to use their knowledge and skills to impact on the beauty and economy of the nation.
Over the years the Association has made a definite impact not only on the nation but worldwide as well.
From the year 2000, The St. Kitts Flower Arrangers Association had the honour of being the only Caribbean nation to be a member of the World Flower Council with presentations by delegates depicting Kittitian Culture.
They have flown the nation’s miniature flag in these countries where they have made their presentations:
1. Rome, Italy
2. Gatineau, Canada
3. Thailand
4. Russia
5. The Netherlands
6. New Zealand
London, England is the site for 2011 September 23 – 25 World Flower Council Summit and five representatives will attend and feature our culture with the flag identifying the nation.
SKNVibes wishes to congratulate the Floral Arrangers Association on its achievement of 31 years of service to the nation and to thank the members for the joy they continue to bring through their glorious floral displays. As we celebrate our Nation, we celebrate with you as well. Happy Birthday to you!
