May 25th, 2016 -- Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the United Nations His Excellency Sam T. Condor, shared with nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis in celebration of the life and times of the Federation’s First National Hero and First Premier, The Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw.
On Sunday May 22, 2016, tributes to the national icon took center stage during the centennial anniversary service held in Sir Robert’s honor at the Church of the Holy Nativity in the Bronx, New York.
The Celebration Service of the Centennial Anniversary of the birth of the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewelyn Bradshaw was an evening of poetry, songs, and special tributes, lauded as an appropriate commemoration to the national hero.
Ambassador Condor shared a moving and fitting tribute to Sir Robert, speaking in part to the selflessness, bravery and positive influence Bradshaw’s early introduction had on the Ambassador’s life. Condor stated, “My own reflections lead me to my first personal encounter with Mr. Bradshaw… when as a 16 year old, I officially joined the youth arm of the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party.… I can still remember that feeling of awe in surrender to this towering, commanding, imposing stature of the man.”
Condor explained that his life was certainly transformed because of the vision of Sir Bradshaw, who was renowned on the national, regional and international level. “I got to know Premier Bradshaw more intimately as I served as Chairman of the Bradshaw Committee Youth Centre; built from his own personal resources…. This promoted community and country development.” Condor stated.
The Ambassador charged all in attendance to embrace Sir Robert’s legacy. “His great legacy must live on,” said Condor. “His great spiritual qualities, his noble dream of human fraternity, his tangible efforts to secure political and social liberty and justice must be emulated,” Condor declared.
In closing, the Ambassador encouraged nationals to re-commit to work hard to guarantee that the Diaspora becomes the critical cornerstone of assistance that it needs to be, as we set about to revive and strengthen the future of our people, our nation.” (The full text of Ambassador Condor’s speech can be found below).
The Very Reverend P. Allister Rawlins officiated the service and Reverend Canon Isaiah Phillip delivered a stirring message on Sir Robert’s life and work. Other special guests who took part in the centennial celebration of Sir Robert included author of the Federation’s national anthem, Mr. Kenrick Georges and Mr. St. Clair Chiverton, who shared a riveting tribute about Sir Robert.
Other contributions included a poem written by Everton E. Mack and presented by Ms. Yvonne Taylor, a solo, by Ms. Norma Francis-Dolphin and the Vote of Thanks, by Mr. Brant Douglas. Mrs. Yvette Swanston, Judge Selwyn Walters, and Mrs. Gretna Lewis read the evening’s scripture and lessons respectively. Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence provided soulful musical accompaniment on the organ.
The organizers of the event treated guests to a delightful spread which included beverages and a variety of dainties. Nationals joined in fellowship with one another in the Church’s banquet hall for hours following the official service of commemoration in honor of The Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the nation’s first national hero.
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