Basseterre, St. Kitts – Members of the Rotary Club of Liamuiga commemorated the 31st Independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis by adorning themselves in the country’s national colours at their Sept. 11 weekly breakfast meeting. Highlighting the Club’s independence themed meeting was the prime minister, the Right Honourable Dr Denzil L Douglas.
Prime Minister Douglas’ remarks reflected on the nation's struggle to achieve Independence in 1983 and its ongoing progression as the smallest independent nation in the Western Hemisphere. Dr Douglas recognized the significant contributions of Sir Robert L Bradshaw, Sir C A Paul Southwell and Sir Kennedy Simmonds among others, in the nation’s struggle to transition from a British colony to a sovereign nation. He went on to emphasize access to free universal secondary education as one of the most significant acts in the nation’s thrust towards independence.
“The one factor that set St. Kitts and Nevis on a dramatically different and upward trajectory would have to be the opening of our high school doors to every Kittitian and Nevisian child regardless of class, regardless of colour and creed,” said Prime Minister Douglas. “That single act changed the life chances of thousands of Kittitian and Nevisian children who are now allowed to attend secondary school. It has changed the life chances of those children’s children and it has forever changed, for the better, the country that we now call home.”
Dr Douglas highlighted several accomplishments of the Federation, including increased housing opportunities, enhanced air and sea ports and increased foreign investments. Dr. Douglas also noted that the most common definition of independence – existing on one’s own – is not the only translation of independence. There must also be independence of thought and action.
“I think that we have done quite well … here in St. Kitts and Nevis. We have more than a flag, we have more than an anthem and other symbols of independence. We have demonstrated to ourselves and to the international community, our own capacity; our capacity for independent analysis and action that will work,” said Prime Minister Douglas. “We spell independence and liberation by pushing our own people to self-mastery and self-actualization and using what we have, whether they are material things or whether they are models or ideas; using them for the benefit of our independent nation. This is how we as a people will continue to build this great nation of ours.”
Following his remarks, Dr Douglas answered several questions from Rotarians in attendance. He also received several tokens from the Club. Dr. Douglas was also presented and pinned with a Rotary Club of Liamiguia commerative lapel pin by Club President Dr. Marcus L Natta.
The Rotary Club of Liamuiga will continue to serve its communities with several upcoming projects and initiatives including its annual Primary School Spelling Bee on October 23 and its annual Christmas Hamper Distribution project and annual New Year’s Charity Ball both in December.
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