Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 19, 2018 – Deputy Chairperson of the opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), Meshach Alford, says the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Robert L. Bradshaw National Heroes Park is a celebration of a heritage, buttressed by the struggles and accomplishments of the past, mindful of the challenges and important achievements of the present, and in deliberate pursuit of a better future.
Delivering the welcome remarks at the ceremony which he chaired, Alford saluted the adults and senior citizens, hailed the youth, women and children, in whose hands rest promise of tomorrow and paid homage to national heroes Bradshaw, Southwell, France, Daniel and Simmonds.
“Comrades, we have come this far as a nation, but only by braving the struggles. We have come this far as a people, but only with our sleeves rolled up, innovating at every point of failure and always - always with a fighting spirit. After all to posterity we extend,” he told the large crowd.
Alford said the celebration in honouring the National Heroes reminds the people of the example set by the ancestors, who, despite the dictates of slavery and neo-colonialism, used their platforms to improve the standard of life for so many.
“It is only common sense this Century is made better than the previous; that 1938 was better than 1838, and that 2018 is better than 1918,” said Alford, who noted that “today cynicism and fear have crept inside the hearts of so many as crime and violence has reached new boundaries. Families are in pain and communities are still in shock.”
Alford hopes that as a people, the people will never allow the sacrifices of our ancestors and investment of the state to go in vain.
“That is why we must continue to use platforms like these to call for the depoliticisation of crime. This requires all hands on deck,” said Alford, who plead never to allow circumstances to overshadow the great contributions of the Right Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw, Joseph Nathaniel France, Paul Southwell, Sir Kennedy Simmonds and Sim Daniel.
He said individually and collectively the national heroes “swung their picks at the footing of colonialism and advanced the social, political and economic freedom of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
“They were not all of the same political party nor did they see eye to eye on every issue. However, they understood that our nation would only stand if they recognize a common destiny. They ran their leg of the race and passed the batons. It is up to us to be anchors in the race to economic independence, social progress and prosperity for all, not some of the people,” said Alford.
On this National Heroes Day, Alford saluted “the true sentinels of our culture and heritage – particularly, our calypsonians, artists, poets, writers, athletes, the Rastafarian movements, the scholars, members of the public and private sectors, civil society, churches and political movements, fully dedicated to ensuring a better St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He gave God thanks for the resilient, resourceful people – the many everyday heroes in communities and families across St. Kitts and Nevis.
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