BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SIX females and 11 males were today (Sept. 16) duly recognised and awarded for their outstanding contributions to national development.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris during his Commemorative Remarks at the Observance of National Heroes Day at the National Heroes Park.
“Today we celebrate our National Heroes and we remember, too, all other Unsung Heroes for their contribution to Nation Building,” Dr. Harris said.
He told the gathering that the Governor General had approved 17 recipients of National Honour Awards, five of whom have been honoured with the Companion of the Star of Merit.
Those recipients are:
• Dr. Calvin Hazel for Spiritual Development and Advancement of our people;
• Bishop Joseph Henville for Religion and Community Development;
• Erstin Edwards for Public Service and Diplomacy;
• Augustine Merchant for Agricultural Development in Service to the Nation; and
• Bruce Skerritt for Music Locally, Regionally and internationally.
PM Harris also stated that the Governor General had further approved the following 12 individuals for the Medal of Honour:
• Mrs. Marilyn Guishard Bertie for Education and Religion;
• Mr. Lester Blackett for Sports;
• Mrs. Yvette Slack for Pre-School Education and Community Activism;
• Mr. Antonio Liburd for Culture;
• Mr. Evered (Webbo) Herbert for Broadcasting;
• Mrs. Arabella Nisbett for Farming;
• Mrs. Earlene Maynard for Education;
• Mr. Anthony Evelyn for Ongoing Efforts to Enhance the Cause of Building Contractors;
• Ms. Julietta Martin for Performing Arts (Dance);
• Mrs. Alice Swanston for Education and Community Outreach;
• Mr. Oswald Elliott for Education; and
• Mr. Michael (Mic Heyliger) Stokes for Musical Production and Artistry.
National Heroes Day was first commemorated in 1998, with the Federal Parliament passing the National Honours Act, setting every September 16 a holiday.
September 16 is the birthdates of the nation’s first National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw and also that of the Rt. Excellent Sir Joseph N. France,
In addition to National Hero’s Day, the Act had established three classes of award: The Order of National Hero, the Star of Merit and the Medal of Honour.
