WASHINGTON, D.C. — St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin, has accepted the prestigious George Washington Award on behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis at the 100th Anniversary Celebration Dinner of the District of Columbia Society of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America.
The event was held on April 10, 2026, at the Metropolitan Club in Washington, D.C. The black-tie affair marked the centennial of the District of Columbia Society, a constituent body of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America—a national hereditary organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of America’s colonial and Revolutionary generations.
The evening brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomatic representatives, historical institutions, and civic leaders, including ambassadors and senior officials from the Organisation of American States (OAS). The 2026 celebration carried added historical significance, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
The Society aligned its centennial with broader “America250” and “Freedom250” commemorative initiatives, which seek to highlight the international and hemispheric dimensions of the American founding.
As part of the commemorative programme, the Society presented the George Washington Award to select foreign dignitaries, recognizing governments that promote and advance the cause of freedom. St. Kitts and Nevis was among the nations honoured, reflecting its enduring commitment to democratic values and international cooperation.
In accepting the award, Ambassador Henry-Martin underscored the deep historical connections between St. Kitts and Nevis and the United States, particularly through the legacy of Alexander Hamilton, who was born on the island of Nevis.
“As Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis, I am especially proud to reflect on the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton, one of the most remarkable figures in the founding of the United States. Born on the island of Nevis, Hamilton’s journey from the Caribbean to the very centre of American public life speaks powerfully to the shared history of our hemisphere,” the Ambassador stated.
She further emphasized the broader significance of Caribbean contributions to the founding era:
“Hamilton’s story and his contribution remind us that the story of American independence and nation-building was never confined to a single geography, but was shaped by people, ideas, and experiences that crossed oceans and connected regions, including the Caribbean.”
The invitation extended to the Ambassador highlighted the importance of recognizing the Caribbean’s role in shaping the early American republic and noted the Society’s growing collaboration with international partners, including the OAS and diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C., in advancing historically grounded commemorative programming.
The presence of multiple ambassadors and senior international officials underscored the global resonance of the anniversary and a shared commitment to preserving and interpreting the ideals of freedom and nationhood.
The Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Washington, D.C. welcomed the recognition and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural and historical ties with partners across the hemisphere, particularly as the United States approaches its semiquincentennial in 2026.