BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EARLIER this week local dignitaries and members of the Consular Corps joined US Ambassador His Excellency Larry Palmer and his colleagues in commemorating the Independence Anniversary of the United States of America.
Last week Wednesday (July 4) the United States of America celebrated its 236th Anniversary and subsequently, the Ambassador had celebrated with the people of Grenada, Barbados and finally, St. Kitts-Nevis.
The cozy cocktail was held at the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel and attended by the likes of Governor General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Sam Terrance Condor, Chair of the Christian Council Rev. Nasel Ephraim and Governor of the Eastern Central Caribbean Bank (ECCB) Sir K. Dwight Vennor.
Following the invocation, sterling renditions of the St. Kitts-Nevis’ ‘O Land of Beauty’ and the USA’s ‘Star Spangled Banner’ were given by the 2011 Kittitian Superstar, Kaylor Bass.
And with the atmosphere set, Minister Condor – in addressing the small gathering – commented on the linkage between St. Kitts-Nevis and the USA, noting that they are linked through history and their continued championing of the cause of democracy.
His Excellency Palmer echoed Condor’s sentiments expressing that “this love of democracy is something we share. St. Kitts and Nevis and the United States remain united by our shared democratic values and our commitment to work as partners to promote peace and prosperity throughout the Eastern Caribbean and beyond”.
With a raised glass and after extending an invitation for the gathering to do the same, His Excellency Palmer offered a toast to the courageous Americans who claimed their right to freedom, to those who defend it and also to the “enduring friendship between St. Kitts-Nevis and the United States of America”.
A cake – decorated to resemble the American flag - was cut by His Excellency Palmer, with him and Deputy Prime Minister Condor partaking of the first two slices.
Shortly before the evening ended, the guests were asked to turn their eyes towards the sky overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and were treated to a brilliant display of colourful fireworks.
HE Palmer took the opportunity to mingle with and acquaint himself with his guests before the event drew to an end.
The life of the event was not long but the occasion was meaningful and the purpose, historic!
