Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 23, 2016 (SKNIS): His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, also known as Prince Harry, joined the youth of the federation to celebrate Youth Month with a rally at Brimstone Hill on November 23.
At the youth rally, Prince Harry was treated to dance performances and a drum selection. His Royal Highness even took a turn to beat the drums.
The prince said that during his travels he is fortunate to meet dignitaries and leaders from many fields, but what is most important to him is having a chance to meet the young people of the countries that he visits.
“There is no better way to judge the future of a country than by spending time with its youth, taking the time to listen to what they have to say and understanding their vision for the nation they will inherit,” said His Royal Highness.
The prince added that the performances show that the young people of St. Kitts and Nevis have creativity and energy in bounds. Prince Harry said that these are two qualities that will set them up for the future.
While at Brimstone Hill, a plaque was unveiled to dedicate the Central Forest National Park as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
“We welcome this continued royal association with this national park,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Shawn Richards.
He explained that it was on November 15 that he was accorded the privilege of being presented to Her Majesty, the Queen, at Buckingham Palace on an occasion of an exhibition and reception to mark the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
The minister warmly welcomed the prince and applauded his commendable efforts to promote conservation, the cause of wounded war veterans, the youth and other causes.
Governor General, His Excellency, Sir Tapley Seaton, stated that the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project was an opportunity for the Commonwealth family to unite to save the forest. He explained that a Pan Commonwealth Network will be created of forest conservation projects marking Her Majesty’s service to commonwealth and conserving the forest for future generations.
The prince stated that St. Kitts and Nevis’ contribution is incredibly generous.
“Not only will it encourage more visitors to this beautiful place, but will give people around the Commonwealth the opportunity to learn about your forests and the way you protect them,” said His Royal Highness. “The forests you see behind us are truly amazing. Thank you so much for contributing them to this project in the year of the queen’s 90th birthday and wow, what a present.”
Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project was launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta in 2015.
