By Lesroy W. Williams
Observer Reporter
(Toronto, Canada)- Seven Kittitians who have given outstanding service and contributed significantly to the development of their country domestically and internationally were honoured and awarded at the Friends of Labour—Toronto 7th Gala Awards Dinner and Dance in Toronto on the April 26.
The eminent awardees included Dr. Spencer Eugene Amory, Dr. Eustace Llewellyn Arrindell, Shirley Hendrickson, Cecil Jeffers, Captain Valentine Morris, Elston Nero and the Honourable Sam Condor.
Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs delivered the feature address at the Awards Dinner. In his address he showered praises upon the proud recipients of the awards and encouraged them to continue their sterling service to the development of their country and humankind.
“St. Kitts and Nevis is forever proud of all those persons who have laboured indefatigably and sacrificed to contribute to its overall development and stature without expectation of tangible rewards. Our awardees have made a significant and lasting mark on many aspects of development in our beautiful Federation.
“The areas of medicine, academia, technology, culture, social and community service and public service have all been advanced in a remarkable way that only grassroots involvement, staunch patriotism and a true sense of citizenship can attain,” Dr. Harris said.
According to Dr. Harris, the importance of the awards dinner is “to bring recognition to and bestow honour on our outstanding sons and daughters of the soil. It is a reminder of all our unsung heroes who go unnoticed everyday but accomplish incredible feats.”
The awardees have each contributed in their own special way.
Dr. Spencer Eugene Amory established a non-profit program for colon cancer screening in St. Kitts in 2004.
Dr. Eustace Llewellyn Arrindell has done extensive research and analysis of political and environmental issues. He conducts development workshops at high schools throughout the Federation and provides scholarship opportunities to students who mirror his own passion for education.
Shirley Hendrickson, teacher, has aided the marginalized, the misunderstood, the aspiring and the hopeful in our communities. She has contributed immensely to community service.
Cecil Jeffers has contributed to the development of the health care profession in St. Kitts and Nevis with his wealth of expertise and experience.
Captain Valentine Morris has contributed to the artistic expression in St. Kitts and Nevis by defining the musical landscape. For more than 50 years, he has mastered the intricacies of the steel band and his love for his musical craft still pulsates through our communities.
Elston Nero, better known as “Eliie Matt”, has made his mark on the calypso scene in the Federation. He is to calypso what Bob Marley is to Reggae, he is to calypso what Beethoven is to classical music. His
calypsoes envelop decades of social commentary, political prophecies and revealing poetry that have challenged us to think about ourselves and our societies.
The Honourable Sam Condor has contributed to the areas of education, sports, social security, community development, gender affairs, youth empowerment and a plethora of other areas by his outstanding leadership qualities.
In his closing remarks at the Gala Awards Dinner, Dr. Harris said, “This year, as we celebrate our 25th Year of Independence, the words of our motto challenge us again; ‘Country above Self’. If we were to think about the persons here this evening and the selfless, community-driven lives they have led, it becomes obvious that this motto is stitched into their hearts, sewn into their psyche and stamped onto their lives.”
