BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN what some patrons described as a “timely and awe-inspiring” lecture, Dr. Allan Somersall delivered this year’s Prime Minister’s Independence Lecture Series, speaking on an imaginative world free from limitations and inhibitions.
Thursday night (Sep. 17), the 11th annual event brought together a full hall of government dignitaries, diplomatic representatives, educators and dozens of students in the Wesley Methodist Church Hall.
Dr. Somersall gave a unique spin on this year’s independence theme, ‘Embracing our youths today to ensure a brighter tomorrow’, by offering 10 simple exercises to stimulate the audience’s imagination and cause them to envisage great things for the individual and the nation at large.
The Kittitian-born scientist and Leeward Islands scholar challenged those present to broaden their horizons as the nation prepares for a “future of opportunity, of possibility, of hope and of accomplishment”.
Somersall urged the audience to travel through their imaginations and become world citizens. He encouraged doodling, enjoying science fiction, imitating heroes, playing with toys and brainstorming.
He noted that these activities stimulate one’s imagination to achieve future goals. He outlined a number of other activities through which imagination can be sparked.
“Let’s learn how to gaze up into the sky and contemplate space and time until we can reaffirm our own value and destiny. Let’s learn to sit by the ocean and reach out beyond our limited horizons. Let’s take hikes and explore the diversity of nature wherever we go and whenever we can. Let’s learn to ask original questions that prompt investigation and solutions,” said Somersall.
Before concluding his hour-long presentation, Somersall left a number of hard-hitting questions with the audience, questions which compounded the imaginative ideals of the lecture.
He inquired about possible career options and an one’s skills and talents that are yet to be realized. Questions regarding local problems which require local solutions and various initiatives that have great benefit to the community were also posed to the audience.
“What would this country be like in five or 20 years, and what would be your contribution? The fact is, St. Kitts-Nevis will be in years to come exactly what you and I imagine this federation to be. We must first conceive a land of opportunity of peace and prosperity of excellence and success.
“Then,” he continued, “having conceived it clearly, we must then believe in the possibilities of the future and then go on to achieve the very best we can for ourselves and our country, and we’ll receive the rewards of doing so with passion and integrity.”
The youth response was rendered by Xavienne-Roma Richardson. She echoed the sentiments of Dr. Somersall and also encourage young and old to make the first move by imagining prosperity and success.
