BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PRIME MINISTER of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas is calling on parents and society to place more importance on history and the repercussions it has on their lives.
Speaking on his weekly “Ask the PM” programme on ZIZ Radio, the Prime Minister deemed history “a phenomenal teacher and a great empowerer”. He noted that not only did history empower persons to achieve great things despite tremendous obstacles, but it also warned persons of potential traps to be avoided in the future.
Douglas stressed that the children of the Federation must be given a deeper understanding of how people of African descent have contributed to mankind. He recommended the literary works of former Governor Sir Probyn Innis as a tool by which parents could pass on historical knowledge to their children.
“As we look at our children and we think of the best ways to give them the healthy self-image they would need to make it in the world, we must also talk to them about people who were just like them and who were focused, disciplined and mentally strong.
“This is particularly important, as the images of black persons that they are constantly bombarded with in the media are Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent and Lil’ Kim. We must talk to them about black history not only in February but as a part of ongoing conversations with them. These types of examples and images are very, very powerful. Healthy societies and healthy peoples grow out of this commitment to remember and to honour,” said the leader.
He pointed to former leaders of the nation, including the Right Hon. Sir Dr. Kennedy A. Simmonds and His Excellency Sir Robert L. Bradshaw, as powerful examples of historic role models. He noted that due to Barack Obama’s historic achievement as the first African-American US President, black persons around the world currently occupy “a position of great promise”.
“Many of our nation’s former leaders were born into poverty, but despite this prevailing state they were able to become politicians, leaders and learned men. We must bring their life stories to life so that persons can begin to see the connection between these men and themselves,” Douglas said.
The Prime Minister’s comments come in the midst of the Federation’s fourth annual celebration of History and Heritage Week, which is organised by the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society and sponsored by the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank.
The week is aimed at promoting greater awareness of and involvement in the history and heritage of St. Kitts and Nevis by its citizens. It has featured panel discussions, lectures and a primary school quiz around the theme “Reclaiming our Roots: Our Heritage, Our Environment, Our People”.
