However, despite the inclement weather, citizens of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis journeyed from their various homes to the Sugar City Event Hall in the Bronx, New York to celebrate the nation's 31st anniversary of Independence.
Team Unity North America organizers working on behalf of the people of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted this fun-filled post Independence Brunch which saw a packed hall of citizens exchanging pleasantries, indulging in delicious foods and soaking up the lively entertainment.
Team Unity North America's organizers stayed on message encouraging ALL citizens to uphold country above self and to focus on collectively restoring good governance and democracy to our nation.
For a meager $20, patrons indulged in a sumptuous assortment of breakfast delicacies including an array of fruits, sausages, boiled and scrambled eggs, turkey, bacon, mackerel, salt fish, banana and salt fish fritters as well as tasty rolls. As if this was not enough, guests were invited back on line for savory lunch treats including steamed fish, goat water, souse, black pudding, hot wings, conchie and sandwiches. Sweet treats such as bread pudding, carrot cake, banana bread and red velvet cake were the take home specials for most everyone who had indulged enough by early afternoon. A very well stocked paid bar where dozens of men congregated was also available for guests in attendance.
The melodious voices of Team Unity rang through when The Mighty Lennox sang Arrow's "Arise" followed by King Green T's very own heavy hitting "Unity"calypso. King Sweeney and the federation's first King Entertainer exchanged musical jabs while the audience cheered them along.
The spirit of patriotism, unity and good fellowship was certainly alive. Citizens were encouraged to share with the audience any item on their person that in any way related to St. Kitts and Nevis. One patron, Venetta Browne, who ventured from Boston with her family identified 5 items and walked away with her well fought for prize of $25. It was no easy victory however as strong contender Aubrey Williams also had almost an equal amount of St. Kitts Nevis items on his person. In the spirit of unity, the top contenders agreed Ms. Brown had the most items and walked away with the prize.
Ms. Violet Clifton also bagged $100 after a 50/50 $200 pot was drawn. Guests paid $1 for one chance to win half of the $200. In this instance, Miss Clifton humbly donated a portion of her winnings back to Team Unity; a remarkable demonstration of consideration for a greater cause.
The highlight of Saturday's Brunch was the call in segment. Host, Doctor Irvin Sweeney facilitated telephone calls from three Team Unity candidates namely Jonel Powell, and parliamentarians the Honorable Shawn K. Richards and the Honorable Eugene Hamilton who all spoke briefly to the audience about their individual and collective vision for the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Jonel spoke first expressing great pleasure for the opportunity to speak not only to his central Basseterre constituents but also to the citizens of the federation residing in the diaspora. He expressed his delight in how receptive and encouraging constituents have been during his outreach and campaign efforts in his community. As a relatively young and first time candidate, the response has been remarkable. He spoke about the removal of VAT from educational supplies and medicine and the overall plan to ensure real relief rather than just talk relief for the citizens of the federation. Powell excitedly declared his readiness for the impending general elections.
In his brief remarks, Shawn also greeted his constituents and those in attendance expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to connect with them as key contributors to the direction of the federation. He too spoke about bringing relief to the people of the federation which he insists can be realized with the removal of VAT from key items that the ordinary man is currently overburdened by. Shawn rallied his constituents to plan for the upcoming elections when they will have an opportunity to let their voices be heard. He declared his commitment to the people and to the Unity cause.
Eugene Hamilton brought the curtains down on the calls with his spirited appeal to citizens to ready themselves for change. He thanked his constituency 8 supporters and reminded all in attendance that the vision of Team Unity is people driven and not an individual undertaking. He reminded them that it is incumbent upon the people to realize their role as citizens charged with the responsibility of restoring good governance to the federation and reminded attendees of what they could accomplish as a team in the interest of the country. Hamilton humbly asked for their prayers and continued support.
All candidates expressed unshakeable optimism about their chances of being part of an historic and feasible alternative government that will usher in the dawn of a truly new and welcome political dispensation in the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
As the curtains came down on the celebratory Brunch, in the spirit of honoring and recognizing heroes of our time, tribute was paid to George Washington Archibald, a treasure of the nation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Washy has been a fervent champion for good,fearlessly calling on politicians and governments all his life to be transparent and accountable to the people. In fact, Washington Archibald has been a true champion for the Unity cause as he was one of the pioneers of the initiative. In a poem entitled Ode To You, Washington Archibald's life long work was lauded.
Washy's daughter Heather Archibald thanked Team Unity North America and all in attendance reminding them that no matter our various allegiances, the common goal we share as a people is to uplift our nation and we can only do so if we come together in UnityI
Closing remarks and thank you's were delivered by King Sweeney and Leighton Esdaille respectively and all in attendance were encouraged to keep their ears open for Team Unity events in the near future.
Patrons were in no rush to leave. Many continued their conversations and fellowship well past 4PM. Musical entertainment was provided by Sopy Don.
On the outside, the sun barely peeked out but the skies cleared and the rains let up. Saturday chores had been put on the back burner and many other Saturday plans had been rearranged. The commonality citizens shared this past Saturday is their love for the two island paradise of St. Kitts and Nevis. No matter where our citizens abide, the love for our federation continues.
The organizers of Saturday's Post Independence Brunch extends heartfelt THANKS to ALL who in any way made the event the resounding success it was. From the cooks to the bakers to the drivers and every single patron, THANK YOU!
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