Youths flood Warner Park for Rally
By Terresa McCall
Reporrter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE nation’s youth turned out at Warner Park yesterday to participate in and observe a youth rally, which was part of the nation’s celebration of its 25th Anniversary of Independence, designed to give them a greater appreciation for and understanding of patriotism.
The thousands of students were treated to a variety of selections including drumming performed by the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force Band and the Seventh Day Adventist Drum Corps. The rally also featured performances by Queen Kibie, Z-Dan, local reggae artiste Pepper Ranks and the St. Peters Eagle Boys Club.
In his address to the massive crowd, Minister of Youth and Education the Hon. Sam T. Condor educated all on the historical value of the very ground on which they stood (Warner Park).
“From my earliest youth, I have been coming to Warner Park; this Bastion of faith, of hope, of inspiration and of connectivity. Indeed, for thousands of our nationals, these grounds represent a symbol of release.
There is, in this place, a spirit of supremacy, of excellence, a sense of overcoming, a feeling of expectation and an aura of new beginnings. Here is where we have, through the ages, tested our mental, physical and competitive strength in the various endeavours. Here we have played together, prayed together, cried together, surmounted the obstacles together, laughed together and celebrated together.”
One such celebration, he explained, was where the transition of St. Kitts and Nevis was made from being under British rule to a sovereign nation.
“This Warner Park was the place where we stood as members of the British Empire waving our flags each year on Empire Day; where we later formed the ideas, the ideals and the inspiration to wage the struggle for separation from Mother England.
Where, as Trinity Isles, we raised the flag of Statehood on our road to independence, and where we finally raised the flag of Nationhood, the Sovereign state of St. Kitts and Nevis, some 25 years ago.”
Condor wished the youths a happy independence and encouraged them to do their part in ensuring that the generations to come would not lose sight of the path traversed by the nation’s forefathers to bring about independence.
One of the highlights of the rally was when some of the students, bedecked in T-shits bearing the colours of the flag, filed onto the field and, in a display of true patriotism, formed, with accuracy and precision, the flag of St. Christopher and Nevis.
The rally culminated with a march through the streets of Basseterre and ended at the Independence Square. ~~Adz:Right~~
Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley told SKNVibes it is his hope that all children who attended the event would have left with a sense of pride in their country and would embed the true meaning of patriotism within their minds.
“As we are celebrating 25 years of Independence, we think it is imperative to emphasise the importance of respecting your flag, appreciating your anthem, getting accustomed to wearing your national dress, and even being familiar with the food. So we put together a little package of talents from various youth groups, schools showcasing and celebrating our 25th Anniversary of Independence. It was like a cricket game in the Park. The entire stadium was packed with students, youth groups…we have about 30 youth groups represented here this morning, which was very heartwarming.”
