BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, September 18, 2018 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, has advised that the Cabinet is to look at revisions to the National Honours Act so as to ensure that it caters for the bravery, courage and other excellent work that is being done by citizens of the Federation.
“Not everyone can be a National Hero, and not everyone should,” said Prime Minister Harris on Monday September 17 when he addressed the Nation from the National Heroes’ Park at the ceremony for the Observance of National Heroes’ Day 2018. He announced the names of 10 individuals who had been recommended for the award of Companion of the Star of Merit, and six who had been recommended for the award of Medal of Honour.
“But we must always recognise the long and meritorious contributions of our citizens to nation building,” noted the Prime Minister. “In this regard I am pleased to report that the Cabinet shall look at revisions to the National Honours Act to ensure that it caters for the bravery and courage and other excellent work that is being done year after year, day after day by our sons and daughters.”
Amid thunderous cheering coming from the hundreds that had assembled at the new-look National Heroes’ Park, the Honourable Prime Minister announced he was also pleased to report that in keeping with the National Honours Act, Cabinet of the Team Unity Administration which he heads has recommended to His Excellency the Governor General, and that he has graciously endorsed the following honourees:
For the Companion of the Star of Merit: Mr Alphonso Barker for Business Entrepreneurship and Culture; and his partner Mr Kenneth Kelly for Business Entrepreneurship. Others were Mr Alphonso Bridgewater for Sports Administration and Public Service; Mr Creighton Pencheon for Culture; and Mr J. Calvin Fahie for Policing and Community Service.
Also recommended for the Companion of the Star of Merit were Mr Elston ‘Ellie Matt’ Nero for Musical Excellence Locally, Regionally and Internationally; Mrs Sylvine Henry for Public Service and Community Service; Mr Hilton Clarke for Education and Community Service; Mr Adrian Lam for Musical Production and Community Service; and His Excellency Ambassador Sydney Osborne for Education and Public Service.
The six recommended for the Medal of Honour were Mrs Ellenita Nathaniel for Education and Community Service; Mr Sylvester Hodge (King Socrates) for Calypso and Music; Mr Walston Shield (King Starshield) for Calypso and Music; Mrs Jacqueline Leader (Singing Jackie) for Calypso and Music; Mr Errol Dolphin (King Arrow) for Calypso and Music; and Mr Lionel Gumbs (Mansion Bull) for Culture.
Prime Minister Harris said: “I want to thank each and every one of them for their contribution to Nation Building.”
After quoting from the former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan (who died last month in Switzerland and was buried in his home country Ghana on Thursday September 13), who was renowned for his focus and commitment to peace and remembered for a life well lived, Prime Minister Harris said: “I say to you, let us use our time well and, in so doing, collectively and individually achieve greatness in nation building.”
Dr Harris concluded by saying: “May God bless us and guide us and help us on our path and enable the people of St. Kitts and Nevis to also live our lives well in service to our country, to each other, and to our God.”