BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FOR their invaluable contributions to the advancement of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis, five individuals have been named the 2014 National Honours Awardees.
A press release issued by the St. Kitts-Nevis Information Service (SKNIS) today (Sept. 16) informs that the honourees are: Venetta Pearline Henry, who received the Medal of Honour for contributions to nursing and community service; Leonie James, who received the Star of Merit for her contribution to pre-school education and community service; Dr. Milton Whittaker, who received the Star of Merit for his contribution to education and science; Dawud St. Lloyd Byron, who received the Medal of Honour for his service in journalism and music and Clement D. O. Williams, who was awarded the Star of Merit for his service in science, education and culture.
According to the release, recommendations are solicited from the public as to who they feel would be suitable recipients of these awards. These nominations are accordingly “reviewed by an awards committee and forwarded for the formal recommendation”.
The awards form part of the yearly independence observance and the awards are presented by His Excellency the Governor General “on the recommendation of the Right Honourable Prime Minister…” the release explains.
SKNVibes takes this opportunity to congratulate all the awardees.
Below are their profiles as were disseminated to the media.
Venetta Pearline Henry - Medal of Honour - for service in NURSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
“In recognition of outstanding and meritorious service in the area of Nursing and Community Service, Mrs. Venetta Henry is awarded the Medal of Honour for service as set forth in the following.
“For years of dedicated service to people of St. Kitts and Nevis while serving as a Nurse, District Nurse and Mid-Wife in various locations in St. Kitts, and for her service from 1982 until her retirement while serving as the Family Planning Administrator in St. Kitts.
“Mrs. Henry began her nursing career in 1956, a career that spanned 45 years.
“Active in her community and church, Mrs Henry has served as an assistant organist in the Sandy Point Methodist Church since the age of 15. In retirement she keeps busy by making uniforms for pre-school students in her area, and by advising families on health issues.”
Leonie James - Star of Merit - for service in PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
“In recognition of long and meritorious service in the area of Pre-school Education and Community Service, Mrs. Leonie James is awarded the Star of Merit for service as set forth in the following.
“A dedicated and committed teacher, Mrs. James served in various capacities, including teacher, and eventually Head Mistress at the St. Pauls Primary School. In the early 1980’s Mrs. James was challenged to the crafting of a program that would embody children from infancy to 4 years of age, and that work was the foundation for the St. Kitts and Nevis Early Childhood Education Program. Over the subsequent years, she sought the requisite organizational training and continued to build the capacity that would be required for a formalized Early Childhood Program.
“In 1983, the Early Childhood Development Unit was birth, a credit to her dedication and continued commitment and thus ensuring a solid educational foundation for the Nation’s children. Her vision was embraced and the construction of Child Development Centres many combining Nursery and Pre-school services began. Over the years, the foundation that Mrs. James and her team laid, has resulted in a program that has been commended as the best Early Childhood Program in the Caribbean, a model to follow.
“Mrs. James is also an evangelist and has helped to guide the moral compass of our people. Mrs. James commitment to education, in particular the development of our vibrant Early Childhood Programme, makes her a deserving recipient of a 2014 National Honours Award – Star of Merit- Pre-school Education and Community Service.”
Dr. Milton Whittaker, PhD. - Star of Merit - for service in SCIENCE AND EDUCATION
“In recognition of long and meritorious service in the area of Science and Education, Dr. Milton Whittaker is awarded the Star of Merit for service as set forth in the following.
“An accomplished educator, scientist, author and leader with a track record of achievements in education in pre and post secondary environments, facility and operations management, food and water quality and safety, and research, Dr. Whittaker has contributed significantly to the benefit of St. Kitts and Nevis in these areas.
“Over the years he has served as the Senior Scientific Official with full accountability for the operations of the Bureau of Standards and the Multipurpose Lab, as a Science Teacher and Head of Science Education at the Sandy Point High School, Tutor and Head of Secondary Science Education, College of Further Education , Lecturer(Science Education) at the St Kitts- Nevis Teachers College, Director of Research at the St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation and have served as Chairman of National Council on Drug Abuse Prevention and Vice President of the St. Christopher’s Heritage Society and is active in many other professional and civic organizations.
“Dr. Whittaker’s commitment to education, food and water quality, environmental safety and scientific research makes him a deserving recipient of the 2014 National Honours Award – Star of Merit- Science and Education.”
Dawud St. Lloyd Byron - Medal of Honour - for service in JOURNALISM AND MUSIC
“In recognition of outstanding and meritorious service in the area of Journalism and Music, Mr Dawud St. Lloyd Byron is awarded the Medal of Honour for service as set forth in the following.
“Having served as a teacher, a community activist and a member of various community organizations Mr. Byron’s most notable contributions has been in the field of Journalism. Having served for over 36 years a reporter, assistant Manager and Editor, he is now the Managing Editor for one of the Nation’s longest published papers, and served as a correspondent for the Associated Press. A consummate trainer he can be credited for nurturing many of the Nations young journalists. Mr. Byron is noted for his commitment to the highest ideals of his profession. A professional musician, Mr. Byron was instrumental during the “Golden Days” of St. Kitts and Nevis music when the bands served as “Ambassadors” for the islands. Mr Byron was member of the original Ellie Matt and the G.I. Brass International, a member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Band and a founding member of the Grand Masters Band. Active in the Community, he was instrumental in the establishment of the National Youth Council; was a member of the African Liberation Movement and other organizations.
“Mr. Bryon’s commitment to the field of Journalism, and his community activism, makes him a deserving recipient of the 2014 National Honours Award – Medal of Honour- Journalism and Community Service.”
Clement D. O. Williams - Star of Merit - for service in SCIENCE, EDUCATION AND CULTURE
“In recognition of long and meritorious service in the area of Science, Education and Culture, Mr. Clement D. O. Williams is awarded the Star of Merit for service as set forth in the following.
“A dedicated teacher, Mr. Williams have served in the following capacities, Secondary School Chemistry and Mathematics Teacher in the Cayon, Sandy Point and Basseterre High Schools; Secondary Science Coordinator and Curriculum Development Officer. Mr. Williams was also a member of the National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair committee for several years. In the area of Education he has published works in CXC School Based Assessments in Biology, Chemistry and Integrated Science, was a key participant production of Teacher Modules Integrated Science in the CXC/ACCC/CIDA Curriculum and Institutional Development Project.
“Community involved, he was the founder of the National Players Theatre Movement, and served as its producer and artistic director from 1976 to 2012. An accomplished playwright, some of his works include the one act comedies “It’s only for a time” and “Desired Honeymoon, the full length social commentary “Storm without a Breeze” and the radio drama “Count Your Chickens before they Hatch”. Mr. Williams has served in and on a number of Governmental and Civic boards and organizations.
“Mr. Williams’ commitment and service to education and his continued involvement in the performing arts makes him a deserving recipient of a 2014 National Honours Award – Star of Merit- Science, Education and Culture.”
