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| Minister of State for Tourism, Sports and Culture, Sen. the Hon. Richard Skerritt. |
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 27TH 2006 - "Positive Power: A Pathway to an Enlightened Mind and Broadened Horizons," was the theme of an address delivered by Minister of State with responsibility for Tourism, Culture and Sports, Sen. the Hon. Richard "Ricky" Skerritt at the Annual Farewell Dinner and Award Ceremony of the St. Kitts-Nevis Students' Association for the graduands.
According to a release from the Association, Mr. Skerritt's delivery "was met with much enthusiasm."
"His speech focused on emotional intelligence, personal success and self-confidence which he pooled into the acronym THE POWER OF P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. FUNDAMENTALS FOR SUCCESS.
THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE -Acknowledging the influences on your thinking, THE POWER OF ONE - Knowing that one person can make a difference, THE POWER OF
SELF-DISCOVERY- Learning and growing continuously, THE POWER OF IMAGINATION - Exploring the endless possibilities of your mind, THE POWER OF TRANSFORMATION - Managing change and improvement, THE POWER OF INITIATIVE - Taking ownership of opportunity, THE POWER OF VISION - Anticipating and forecasting the future and THE POWER OF EMPATHY - Being considerate of the needs of others," said the release.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Students' Association at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados held its dinner and award ceremony under the theme: "Enlightened Minds, Broadened Horizons."
It said that during the evening's proceedings, chaired by Garth Wilkin, President of the Association, Nuricer Maynard, delivered a speech which concentrated on the readiness of the Association in embracing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
She underscored many of the achievements of the association and its members this past academic year, highlighting Kelva Merchant, as the recipient of the award for best results at level one on the campus.
Also highlighted was Shamara Morton's accomplishment, having represented the University and to a larger extent, the Caribbean, as one of four debaters at the Shearman and Sterling Jessup International Mooting Competition, in Washington, DC.
The participation of the St. Kitts and Nevis students in campus activities, especially as part of the Combined Territories Association which embraces all the non-campus countries was also mentioned.
This year, SKNSA boasts of having nine of its members as part of the male and female football teams and mention was made of the teams success in the CARICOM Tournament this year, the Female team emerged champions once again and the male team placed second.
She concluded by asserting that SKNSA has a spirit of unity that has attracted others to the association. All these achievements which President Maynard emphasised, make SKNSA fully equipped to embrace the CSME.
The evening concluded with the presentation of awards and a slide show entitled "A Look Back" featuring pictures which captured the past moments of the association.
This year SKNSA said farewell to 16 of its final year students; Charlene Warner, Crios Freeman, Donovan Herbert, Hugh Matthew, Jonel Powell, Kelvin Johnson, Labrisca Powell, Marlene Yearwood, Michelle Queeley-Roberts, Pauline Slack, Petal Parry, Shamara Morton, Sherry-Ann Liburd, Sterge Woodley, Teshari John and Yasmin Davis. They were all awarded for their participation in the association during their tenure at UWI.
Additionally SKNSA recognised its honourary members who are graduands from other territories.
The special awards included the SKNSA Award for Active Participation which was presented to Hugh Matthew, the former Cultural Officer and Petal Parry, the former Vice President.
The SKNSA Award for Hard Work, Dedication and Patriotism was presented to Kelva Merchant, former treasurer; and the SKNSA Award for Past President, presented to Jonel Powell.
Colin Kirton, one of the past headmasters of the Charlestown Secondary School and the St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar School (Basseterre High School) was inducted as an Honourary Member for his contribution in carrying on the legacy of the Federation. He now resides in Barbados.
The evening signified more than a mere opportunity to recognise the graduands. It embodied the achievements of not just the association but also the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis.
Likewise, Minister Skerritt, recognising the importance of the event, asserted that it was a pleasure for him to be a part of such a momentous occasion, underscoring his delight in encountering the traits of St. Kitts and evis while in another country.
