By Lesroy W. Williams Observer Reporter
lesroywilliams@thestkittsnevisobserver.com (Basseterre, St. Kitts) ” The Federation is getting ready to throw itself a half-million dollar birthday party. Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Sam Condor, announced the launching of the St. Kitts and Nevis 25th Independence Program at a press conference at the Ocean Terrace Inn on August 13, exactly one month before the activities officially begin. The program runs from Saturday, September 13 to Sunday, September 21. St. Kitts and Nevis became independent on September 19, 1983. Minister Condor said that in October of last year, Cabinet appointed an Independence Committee to see about the planning and logistics of the celebration of the Federation’s silver jubilee of independence. The national stadium located at Bird Rock was named, the Silver Jubilee Stadium, in honor of this milestone.” Mr. Condor mentioned that there are exciting and entertaining activities planned for the 25th anniversary celebrations. Some of the activities include an agricultural exhibition under the theme “Agriculture! 25 years of productivity. Agriculture! Food basket for national sustainability”; a national day of prayer and thanksgiving; national calypso competition; schools patriotic programs and treats; table tennis tournament; Silver Jubilee Independence Pageant; Silver Jubilee Independence Fireworks Display; 20/20 Cricket; and Prime Minister’s Lecture Series. On September 19, Independence Day activities will include ceremonial parades and the Prime Minister’s Silver Jubilee Peace Concert, which will feature an international artiste yet to be named.” Mr. Condor named the members on the Central and sub-committees and their responsibilities. Mr. Gus Williams is responsible for research, stamps exhibition, sales, marketing and public relations; Mr. Stanley Franks is responsible for the Logistics Committee; Mr. Joseph Edmeade is responsible for Prime Minister’s Lecture Series, Schools Independence Program, National Heroes Day and Chairman of Standing Committee for awards recognition; Mr. Allister Williams is responsible for community rallies, floats, cultural celebrations, lighting and decorations; Fr. Isaiah Phillip is responsible for thanksgiving service and religious activies; Mr. Jeffrey Hanley is responsible for youth activities; Ms. Julie Martin is responsible for the Silver Jubilee Pageant; Ms. Nicola St. Catherine is responsible for protocol and transportation; Mr. Calvin Edwards is responsible for finance; and Mrs Astonia Browne is responsible for military parade and pageantry.” Other members of the committees include Mr. Gairy Knight and Mr. Osmond Petty among others. Mr. Calvin announced at the press conference that it will cost in the vicinity of $500,000 to put on the 25th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
