Pleasant Greetings to my fellow Kittitians and Nevisians,
‘Time to Take the Oath!’
In 2009 I sang, “I take the oath, to love my country; I’ll always be there for you; I’ll always care for you I swear; I will give my blood, my sweat, my tears, my all to you, as long as I’m alive, my SK must survive!” Long before this, however, I took that personal oath to love my Country and to put Country above self to ensure that my Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis not only survives, but thrives!
As we celebrate 31 years of Independence, I renew this oath to my country and I implore you, my fellow Kittitians and Nevisians, to do the same. Sir Joseph Nathaniel France, the first General Secretary of the Trades and Labour Union and one of our National Heroes, exemplified through his indelible contribution to Social Services and through his humble service to the great people of constituency #3, what it means to ‘Take the Oath’ to place ‘Country Above Self’. For this, we will forever be thankful. However, I say to you that you need not be a Minister of Government, a politician, or a dignitary of National status to take this oath.
For decades, Nationals of this great Federation have taken this very oath in many different forms. Perhaps it was by parenting tirelessly and lovingly to raise children that make a positive contribution to our society. Alternatively, it could be by teachers molding the young minds of our future leaders. This oath has emanated from personnel in our security forces who are committed to protecting our citizens and ensuring national security. Your oath may be sharing a wealth of knowledge to visitors to our nation as a taxi driver. Perhaps you did your part as a nurse, in tending our citizens to recovery and restored health and strength. Equally, you may have shown your commitment to your Country by keeping our streets and communities clean!
Whatever your role may be in the further positive development of this Our beloved Nation on the move, I ask of you once more to Take the Oath to continue to put Country above Self, regardless of creed, colour, or political affinity and we must never forget to take time out to Celebrate our Progress.
Happy 31st Independence to the people of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. May God Bless us all.
