BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE first Prime Minister of St. Christopher and Nevis, Dr. the Rt. Excellent Sir Kennedy Simmonds, has been named the Federation’s 5th and only living National Hero.
As was promised on National Heroes’ Day (Sept. 16), Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris made the announcement this morning (Sept. 19) while making his Independence Address to the nation via simulcast on ZIZ Television and Radio.
“Just three days ago, on National Heroes’ Day, our nation had paused to recognise and celebrate the contributions of nine citizens for their investment of time, labour, intellect and skills in nation building.
“Today we add yet another name to the pantheon of National Heroes in the person of Dr. the Rt. Excellent and Rt. Honourable Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds, our fourth Premier and first Prime Minister of an independent St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Prime Minister Harris congratulated Sir Kennedy on his achievement and ascension to the status of National Hero and also for his work in leading the once fledgling nation of St. Christopher and Nevis into political independence and on a path of maturity.
“It was Sir Kennedy who ushered us into nationhood and oversaw our entry onto the world stage and remained at the help sailing our country to the highest levels in the hemisphere until we had sufficiently matured to stand on our own and to be recognised as the world’s smallest but, importantly, freest nation in the world.
“We applaud this our only living national hero who today serves as an inspiration to us proud citizens engaged in nation building. Sir Kennedy, you have done well for your country, we adore your character and we say thank you for your sterling contribution.”
Sir Kennedy served as Premier of St. Kitts and Nevis from 1980 to 1983 when he became Prime Minister of St. Christopher and Nevis after the country attained its political independence from Great Britain.
He held the position of Prime Minister for 12 years.
Sir Kennedy joins the likes of first Premier of St. Kitts and Nevis the Rt. Excellent Robert Bradshaw who was posthumously honoured as National Hero in 1998 and the Rt. Excellent C. A. Paul Southwell and the Rt. Excellent Joseph N. France were posthumously named the Federation’s second and third National Heroes in 2004.
In 2013 the status of Nevis' first Premier Dr. the Rt. Excellent Simeon Daniel was elevated to that of National Hero. His too, was posthumous.
