Erratum: Kindly accept my apology for an error in my last article, “September 1, 1970 while on the MV Christena”. The date is actually “August 1, 1970”.

Our grand Silver Jubilee Independence Anniversary celebrations have ended and what a splendid time it must have been some of us. After months of planning and spending, countless hours of researching, writing, organizing and preparing, the much anticipated 24-hour period has passed and we now look forward to another anniversary, perhaps the golden jubilee celebrations. There is no doubt that tremendous efforts were made to ensure dramatic celebrations adorned. Our Prime Minister also did a great job in delivering his sterling message and highlighted, of course, the first Premier of St. Kitts and Nevis, the late Honorable Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw.

As we look back since 1983, our country has moved steadfastly forward with great pace and the proof of progress is quite evident. The economy has boomed quite nicely, our development has been great, our human resources have excelled and our people, in general, have achieved remarkably well.

In spite of this all I’m still at a loss as to what we Nevisians are really celebrating. We have seen year after year the independence anniversaries come and go with very little, if any recognition at all given to Nevis. True, it’s a federation, but seems only such on paper or when benefits are sought to aid St. Kitts. Our guilty leaders on Nevis ought to hang their heads in shame as they callously make a mockery of Clause 113 in our constitution.

This year there seemed to be a concerted effort in showing the independence presence here on Nevis with drapes, flags, banners and other paraphernalia. Due to accustomed lack of transparency within our government I’m not in a position to state whether or not the dress-up was federally funded. The Nevis Island Administration did in fact lead the thrust with numerous programs and other activities to commemorate the celebrated day. They even went steps further to have the official inaugural car race on the controversial drag strip on Independence day, and the presence of Tempo on island for a show on the following day. Both events certainly had our island abuzz despite the inclement weather.

But are we really satisfied after 25 years of being released from Mother England and yet still holding on to the skirt tail of St. Kitts? Are we satisfied to play vice-captain when we hold the necessary tools to take full control of our own ship? Are we resigned to undermine the intelligence of Dr. Simeon Daniel who had the vision and wisdom of ensuring that we have Clause 113 in our constitution? These questions are burning within as day after day we plod along with a lack of vision and pride to chart our own course.

One must admire Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas for the manner in which he handles the St. Kitts–Nevis situation. The federal government benefits tremendously from the unfair and unbalanced union. Our PM has the right to proceed and obtain loans, grants, aids and other assistance for his people of approximately 50,000 people. When he succeeds in getting such, he has absolutely no obligation to directly share any of it with those who did not vote him or his party members into office. The 12,000 people of Nevis are therefore left penniless from this and all we can do, all our representatives and other politicians can do is talk until we all get tired of talking, then wait until the next time it happens to repeat the same ritual. Unfortunately, that’s how it works and that is wrong. Yet, our leaders smile day after day, generation after generation with our glooming disadvantages within this St. Kitts and Nevis relationship.

During the quest for Nevis independence in 1997, documents circulating showed close to $20 million extra benefits per year to Nevis, in the event that secession referendum succeeded. As we know, it failed by less than 200 votes and those individuals who campaigned against the independence of Nevis ought to pay the penalty.

Now in 2008, our assets, progress and status could have been something that all Nevisians could have been proud of and something that would have deserved sincere celebrations. We should have been able to celebrate our own independence with all the hype, interest and pride that the St. Kitts leaders are celebrating with their people on St. Kitts. Aren’t we confident? Aren’t we capable enough to run our own affairs? We have been trying to break away from what was a three-island colony for over 100 years. Anguilla did so successfully in 1967 and 41 years later we are still wriggling around, holding on to St. Kitts at our own perils while having the legal tool, Clause 113 of our constitution, in which to move on.

So what are we really celebrating? Nevisians, we are celebrating a farce, we are casting away our pearls and sucking up to those who are using Nevis for their own financial and other selfish benefits. Some of us Nevisians too are selling out our island for the same reasons while the majority struggle and suffer.

Will we remain the laughing stock of the world? What are we Nevisians doing?

It’s been reported that a request was made to the federal government by the present Nevis Island Administration to honor, or knight our first Premier, Dr. Simeon Daniel. Whether or not that is true is another thing but Nevisians want to know if and when Dr. Daniel will be knighted. If the NIA did in fact submit that recommendation or request, what is the present status? Has his name been forward by the federal government to the relative authorities? We will certainly like the facts on this matter.

We have been fooling ourselves continually while our island stays in concert with St. Kitts who often talk about constitutional reform to appease us when there are threatening concerns. That talk is eventually shelved until it is time to appease Nevisians again, years down the road.

All our leaders have shown disgust at some time or another over the relationship between the sister islands. Yet, the history of them being cuddling partners with their counterparts in St. Kitts usually proves disingenuous and folly,

However, great respect and credit have to be ushered on former and first premier of Nevis, Dr. Simeon Daniel who ensured the secession clause was inserted in our constitution. Likewise, to the Honorable Vance Amory who had the courage and conviction to use it, giving Nevisians the only real opportunity thus far, for true independence.

Will Honorable Joseph Parry be patriotic enough to cast aside his pride and do the right thing for Nevisians? Time alone will tell.