BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IT seems Independence is not the only achievement being celebrated during this season, as some families have extended their circle with two welcoming Independence babies and one welcoming a National Heroes’ baby.
Each year, the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis celebrates its Independence on September 19, which follows the observance of National Heroes’ Day on September 16.
As tradition would have it, persons across the Federation look forward to hearing of any births that coincide with these observances and, this year - the 29th such occasion - was no exception.
At the Toasting Ceremony held at Camp Springfield – before dignitaries, armed and unarmed units and members of the media – Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas announced the birth of a boy on National Heroes’ Day and a boy and a girl today (Sept. 19).
He said the National Heroes’ baby – born to Kereen Webb of Nevis and Collin Walters of St. Kitts - is named Christopher Nathaniel Walters.
The Independence babies are shared between the two islands with the first being born on Nevis.
The Nevis-born baby – a girl – whom Dr. Douglas affectionately referred to as “Baby Independence”, was born to Mr. Ash and Simone Bailey. She was delivered at approximately 6:05 a.m.
And the 6 lb 6 oz-Kittitian-born baby is the daughter of Curtis Harris of St. Pauls and Kenisha Rogers of Old Road but who resides at Sandy Point.
Rogers told SKNVibes that her daughter - KenquiaIsabella Christina Rogers alias ‘Faith’ – was delivered at about 9:45 a.m.
In congratulating the parents, Dr. Douglas said, “We want our parents to continue to be fertile and obey the command of God and replenish the earth. And so we are grateful for those who are giving us babies to make this future country strong and healthy.”
The Nation’s Political Leader said the newly-born children represent the nation’s future and, as such, they should be properly nurtured and cherished.
“We recognise these children because they are so dear to us. They are not only of our present but they are of our future and that is why we cherish them. That is why the Independence theme for this year is ‘Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families’. Because we believe if we have seen them through successful birth, and we care and we protect them, we house them properly, we educate them, we feed them we clothe them, we ensure that they have good health, they would not only make our families strong, but they would make our nation a strong and prosperous and wealthy nation as well.
“Today I ask you to raise your glasses in three cheers not only for those children who have been born today or on National Heroes Day, but all of the children of this fair land of ours.”
