Eight National Heroes Day babies, but none for Independence
By Terresa McCall
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHILE persons on St. Kitts were hoping for the birth of at least one bouncing bundle of joy on Independence Day, that was not to be but they were privileged to welcome six National Heroes Day babies into the world.
The announcement of the birth of the National Heroes Day babies was made Friday (Sept. 19) by the Prime Minister of the Federation, Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas during the traditional Toast which took place at Camp Springfield following the Independence Parade.
Dr. Douglas said he visited the hospital that morning with the hope of being greeted with the news of the birth of an Independence baby and although disappointed there was none, he was happy with the news that six babies were born on National Heroes Day (Sept. 16), whom he referred to as “National Hero Babies”.
In raising a toast, PM Douglas invited the gathering to celebrate the birth of the little National Heroes with their parents.
“This morning I visited the hospital. Would you believe that as productive a people that we are, and as fertile that our women here in St. Kitts and Nevis, not even one baby has been born as yet. Would you believe that? Not even one has been born as yet for Independence. There were three who I believe can deliver, and this morning I begged them for God sake deliver because I want an Independence baby on the 25th Anniversary…
“Even though we have not yet had any Independence babies or Independence baby, we have had six of them born on National Heroes Day. Six Heroes have been born on the 16th and today I want you to join with me in celebrating the National Heroes Day babies and their parents. Let us drink again to the health and strength of these young babies…and also those of our country who are the future leaders of tomorrow and who are babes today.”
The babies are: Kenshin Slack (m) born to Bibishamshad Rahaman and Kenneth Slack; Javin Maliq Isaac (m) born to Icilma Isaac; Shanique White (f) born to Melissa Hughes and Sylvester White; Dominic Huggins (m) born to Damian Huggins and Eulynis Williams; Larry Jensey Figueroa born to Francisca George Figueroa; and Jaden Ethion Kiko Charles (m) born to Anita Charles.
Also at the ceremony was Kyah Archibald, who was born on September 19, 1983. She was also recognised by the Prime Minister and three cheers of jubilation were given in her honour.
“I have here however, one of our Independence babies of 25 years ago,” Dr. Douglas said. “She has grown into a strong, tall and truly Kittitian-Nevisian woman. Natural beauty abounds in this country.”
SKNVibes understands that, like St. Kitts, there were no Independence babies born on Nevis, however, the island has produced two National Heroes Day babies.
