Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 19, 2022 (SKNIS): In his national address on St. Kitts and Nevis’ 39th Anniversary as a sovereign nation on September 19, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance M. Drew said St. Kitts and Nevis is on a journey to becoming a republic.
“Our nation is much closer to true independence than not. As we approach 40 years as an independent nation in 2023, we also set our eyes on transitioning into a republic. We trod on towards that goal. That goal of self-determination and self-actualisation where we truly encapsulate our sovereignty,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said.
“That is why each time I get the opportunity to speak to our nation’s young people, I challenge them to be innovative, to be creative and to envision a better St. Kitts and Nevis and use their immense skills to help get us there,” he said.
“My goal is to harness the immense power and unbridled talents of all our people to help fuel this rocket ship, we call Liamuiga and Oualie, into the stratosphere of prosperity and excellence,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew added.
“Our political independence was just the first step. Over the years, we have also built the foundation of our own social, economic, and cultural freedoms. I will confess, we are not totally free yet – as a small island nation, we depend on many partners, internationally and regionally,” he said.
Prime Minister Dr. Drew recognized the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, who is Head of State of St. Kitts and Nevis represented by a Governor-General. Her late Majesty the Queen’s state funeral took place today (September 19) with exceptional pomp and pageantry with thousands attending including Heads of State, Heads of Government and Commonwealth Leaders from around the world for which she was Head of the Commonwealth for seven decades. The funeral was watched by millions around the world.
“I must pause here and recognise the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Second who will be laid to rest today in England. Her 70-year reign was marked by resilience and piety and we offer prayers and comfort to her family and all who mourn at this time,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said in his Independence address.
English-speaking former British colonies in the Caribbean that have transitioned to Republics are Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and most recently Barbados. Several others have signaled their intentions to remove the British Monarch as Head of State. These countries include Belize, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Recent visits of the British Royal Family have seen widespread anti-monarchy protests and anger over colonial rule as the British ‘Empire’ shrinks further.
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