Basseterre, St.Kitts (PAM Secretariat-Jan 20th 2014) -- Hundreds attended St Georges' Anglican Church to celebrate with the Peoples Action Movement (PAM) on Sunday 19 January 2014,on the occasion of its 49th Anniversary as a major political party in St Kitts.
Chairman of PAM Cyndie Demming read the second lesson; from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians Chapter1, verse 1 -9. Meanwhile, Mr Richard Caines a founding member of PAM and former junior minister of Finance gave a synopsis of the history of the PAM. He spoke emphatically to PAM been born out of the need to help poor people. A major milestone in the early stages of PAM was the “Electricity” march that gained much recognition for the young political party.
The majority of the people in St Kitts then, as it is now could ill afford to pay their electricity bills. He continued by sharing that a group of young men – the founders of the party and followers, at the time, saw the need to help the people of Nevis, who did not have any water. The young PAM men chartered aboat and filled up buckets/barrels of water and set sail to Nevis. This act of kindness was met with great appreciation.
Caines went on to outline some of PAM’s active legislative agenda while in office, and spoke to initiatives designed to benefit everyone across the board – women, men, children, youth, the elderly and all social classes of citizenry. PAM lived up to its motto, “Putting People First.”
1. The Protection and improvement of the status of the children of unmarried mothers by our Independence Constitution and the Status of Children Act - The PAM Administration gave children born out of wedlock the right to carry their father's name and to share in his estate
2. Establishing the Development Bank – Offering ‘soft’ loans and financial assistance to citizens
3. Provided ferry service between St Kitts/Nevis - To encourage partnership and commercial activities between both islands
4. Constructed a new school in St Paul’s and upgraded others – A caring administration who was interested in the education of all
5. Special Olympians from the Federation participation in their first Special Olympics in USA – PAM ensuring that no child was left behind
6. Reduced the age of legal majority from 21 to 18 – PAM showed that the Youth had an integral role to play in nation building and decision making
7. The Sir Kennedy Simmonds Highway – The gateway to progress
8. Port Zante –Vision and Imagination
Mr. Caines concluded by sharing the Party's song emphazing the last sentence.
“We love to serve our country
Which God has blessed so well
In peace and love and Happiness
We will forever dwell
We ask for God’s protection
And guidance on our way
The People’s Action Movement
Will strive from day to day
The People’s Action Movement
Is here and here to stay”
The melody to the party song, he said was done by former deputy Prime Minister Oliver Powell; who was also in attendance.
Attending the service were first Prime Minister of the Federation, Sir Kennedy along with Lady Simmonds, other founding members of PAM; Michael Powell and Collin Pereira, Leader Hon Shawn Richards, his executive, former PAM candidates Vernon Veira, Louie Williams and Junie Hodge, in addition to scores of supporters. Leader of PLP and Team Unity,Dr Timothy Harris was in attendance to support PAM, a Unity partner.
The service was led by Fr Chris Archibald who gave an inspiring sermon and asked the PAM to celebrate their 50th anniversary at his church; the St Georges Anglican Church.
The PAM remembers fondly first Political Leader and Chairman of the PAM, His Excellency, Plenipotentiary Dr William V Herbert for his stellar contributions. Another founding member who was not able to join in the celebration but was saluted for his contributions is Boisie Laplace.
After the church service, members, friends and family enjoyed a scrumptious brunch.
Plans are already on the way for the 50th anniversary of the Party.
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