On Saturday November 29, 2014, Team Unity North America entertained a blend of Kittitian and Nevisian citizens in the diaspora at a post Thanksgiving Island style event held in the Bronx, New York.
From Cook Up, Saltfish, fried chicken, fried fish, Saltfish fritters and Johnny cakes to Souse, black pudding, banana fritters, green banana and goat water, guests were treated to a tasty spread of delicious island foods. The beverage department included beer and wine as well as local drinks such as ginger beer and lemonade.
The evening's proceedings were ushered in with warm welcome remarks and an opening prayer by Ms. Verna Browne followed by a "Thankful" segment where guests shared with each other the things they were most thankful for. Almost every guest expressed thanks for life, family and friends. It was a moving moment that delved into the innermost wishes of citizens abroad. In fact, one guest expressed her thankfulness not just for life but also for Team Unity leader Dr. Timothy Harris who has pledged to restore the good name of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
A light moment which allowed the adults to tap into their youthful side was the "pin the feather on the turkey" segment. Guests were blindfolded, twisted around three times, then led to a picture of a turkey on a wall on which they sought to pin a feather on the turkey as accurately as possible.
Unfortunately, turkey feathers ended up everywhere except on the turkey which made for good laughter for the audience and much surprises for the participants who were mostly off the mark. One lucky patron who came closest won a small cash prize which he gladly contributed to the Unity bar.
Although he was unavailable to address the attendees at the October 6, 2014, Team Unity Post Independence event, parliamentary representative and leader of Team Unity addressed the audience and as he spoke, listeners could hear a pin drop.
Following his salutation and brief expression of appreciation to the organizers of the event, Dr. Irvin Sweeney got to the meat of the exchange.
Dr. Sweeney asked Dr. Harris to offer comments on the recent visa requirements placed on citizens of the federation by the Canadian government.
Harris described the decision as a terrible blow for the federation particularly as it pertains to the reputation of our twin island state and the inconvenience of the new requirements. He reminded listeners that Team Unity has already written to the Canadian government advising what a Team Unity government intends to do in order to repair the image of the federation given the absolute lack of transparency which exists with the current operation of the CBI program.
He continued, "We need to be as open as the Antigua and Barbuda government has been with regard to their CBI program." To date, the St. Kitts Nevis government has not disclosed how many passports have been sold. "We are much regretful that Canada has punished us for the recklessness of our government but better days lay ahead for our nation with the hard work and commitment of Team Unity."
When asked about what role he sees for nationals in the diaspora in the development of the nation, Dr Harris stated that nationals who reside abroad have various roles to play in the restoration of a prosperous St. Kitts and Nevis. Those doubtful in making the decision to return home can rest assured that part of the Team Unity vision is to ensure that a clear return home policy perspective is in place that serves citizens from all fronts. Whether they are young and want to add value to the job market based on their acquired qualifications or if they want to return home to enjoy the golden years in the land of their birth, citizens abroad are valuable to the development of the federation.
This can and will be accomplished by providing feasible incentives for our people and encouraging people to work for their country. Team Unity's agenda includes moving from poverty to prosperity and empowering people to move from one level to another.
Dr. Harris ended as he started by thanking all in attendance for supporting the fund raising initiative and encouraged them to continue to support Team Unity's prosperity agenda. A rousing burst of applause followed his parting words; testimony to the appreciation and respect Dr. Harris drew on Saturday.
The festivities continued with two hard thumping tunes by popular New York calypsonian King Green T. His songs were well received by the audience. In unrehearsed, and unabashed extempo fashion, King Sweeney delivered various tunes by former calypso artistes, challenging the guests to name the calypsonian who sang the original songs. He included songs by Bath Towel, King Pharaoh and Lord Cut. He ended with King Arrow's "This Country Is Yours." The exercise in Calypso trivia was quite spirited.
Heather Archibald's poem "The People's Right" a creative collection of words which speaks to the right of the people of the federation to choose Unity over absolute rule, fittingly brought the curtains down on the evening's proceedings.
Patrons danced well past 9pm to the extremely upbeat and stirring sounds compliments of of DJ Yashbal.
The organizers of Team Unity North America's Island Style Thanksgiving say a heart felt THANK YOU to all who made the event a tremendous success.
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