BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FORMER educators of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis have dominated the short list of recipients of the 2016 National Awards.
This morning (Sept. 16) Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy S. Harris – while making an address on the occasion of National Heroes Day – informed the nation that five individuals were bestowed National Honours.
Interestingly, all who received the distinguished accolades are women, three of whom were instrumental in the advancement of education in the Federation.
“I am pleased to advise that the Cabinet accepted the recommendations from the National Honours Awards Committee and His Excellency the Governor General has graciously consented to confer the following National Awards…” Dr. Harris informed.
The awardees are Clarice Cotton, Vanta Walters, Daliah John, Sylvia Isaac and Hulda Lawrence.
The Medal of Honour was conferred upon Cotton, for her services in Special Education; Walters for her work in Early Childhood Education; John for her services in the Technical Vocational Education field, with particular emphasis on Hospitality; and Isaac for her contribution to Healthcare, particularly Nursing.
The Star of Merit was conferred upon Lawrence for her services in Music.
Dr. Harris said these individuals had rendered “outstanding and meritorious service to our people and nation”.
He suggested that this particular exercise is one which highlights suitable role models for the younger generation to emulate.
“The country is moving on. The country is - at regular intervals - pausing to pay tribute and honour to deserving sons and daughters. The country is taking note that it has a specific role to play to bring to the fore the exceptional talent so those of the younger generation may find role models and exemplars. This is part of the role that we must play as we help to build a modern St. Christopher and Nevis.”
In previous years, these awards were conferred on the likes of George Washington Archibald, the Hon. Konris Maynard, Gloria Mills, former Commissioner of Police Robert Jeffers, Clement ‘Bouncing’ Williams and Dr. Milton Whittaker.
