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Vance Amory |
Charlestown Nevis (September 21, 2004) Nevisians celebrated the 21st anniversary of independence with the usual ceremonial parade and national awards ceremony held at Grove Park, in Charlestown on Monday September 20, 2004, and their political leader later addressed the nation via radio and television.
Premier, the Hon Mr. Vance Amory, in his short address noted that the island had come a long way since its independence, and paid tribute to the persons who contributed to the development of the island.
He said, “We recognised that we owe a debt of gratitude to those stalwarts who have left us with the discipline and with the sense of industrial and dedication and love of country which has enabled us to provide the kind of transformation and the progress which we are now enjoying as a people.”
The Nevisian Leader called upon all social partners to continue the fight to improve the island for the future of the youths, saying “as we celebrate this 21st anniversary of our independence to see that our future lies with our young people, not in a clichéd way but in a practical way.”
“We therefore as leaders in government, as leaders in community as preachers in our various churches, as teachers and as community leaders, we need to ensure that we do not equivocate in our struggle to make sure our youths are given the type of direction which would ensure that the future of our country is well positioned.”
He told the listening audience that they must plan for the next twenty, twenty-five years while they are celebrating what has been achieved at this point. He pointed out that each and every Nevisian should ensure that their support is given to the full independence of the country.
“I believe that it can be achieved. I believe that there is much more that we can achieve, but we need to give ourselves more than an even chance by ensuring that we take full responsibility, full autonomy for everything that occurs in this country,” Premier Amory commented.
He ended by saying, “As I leave you with the greeting for the 21st anniversary of independence of St. Kitts and Nevis, I also leave you with a challenge to look to the future because that is all that we have. I thank you and may God bless us as we look to assume full responsibility for the development in the future of our country.”
