Stirring patriotism within citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis is a mission that Governor General, His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, has personally set out on, especially in September, when the Federation celebrates its Independence from Great Britain.
It was recently announced that Sir Tapley will be joining the Cabinet Ministers as they engage in the annual tour of schools to observe the Independence anniversary with students. The Governor General said he has been working on a document to share with the students and will do so on that occasion. He promised to provide more details as the time draws near, but revealed that it would include a history of Government House.
The Governor General’s Cocktail, traditionally held on the evening of September 19, Independence Day, is a popular highlight of the calendar of activities. Sir Tapley reminisced on his first hosting of such last year and said it was a pleasure.
“Last year for Independence, for example, we had over 2,000 persons up here [at Government House] for the Independence reception, which was a fantastic number,” he said, estimating that he shook about 1,000 hands as he greeted guests. “You want to encourage persons to come. This is in a sense the people’s house, not that it’s going to be abused, but it is going to be enjoyed and they must know the history of it.”
Governor General Seaton mentioned that he also encourages groups and organizations to reach out to the office staff about possibly hosting events there.
St. Kitts and Nevis will celebrate its 33rd anniversary of Independence on September 19, 2016.
