BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, June 20, 2017 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Team Unity Government came in for high praise last week for its vision and foresight in constructing a National Heroes Park that would memorialize the lives and contributions of St. Kitts and Nevis’ five National Heroes.
The National Heroes Park is being funded jointly by the Governments of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Speaking with members of the media following a tour of the site on Friday, June 16, Director of Culture, Troy Mills,said a park dedicated to honouring the contributions and sacrifices of the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw; the Right Excellent Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell; the Right Excellent Joseph Nathaniel France; the Right Excellent Sir Simeon Daniel; and the Federation’s only living National Hero, the Right Excellent and the Right Honourable Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds, is an important initiative taken by the Government and one that should enrich the lives of every Kittitian and Nevisian.
He added, “Culture in its simplest sense is the way of life of a people and if we don’t know the history of our forefathers, our own Kittitians and Nevisians who would have fought to give us this lifestyle where we are now, I think we won’t really appreciate it.”
According to Project Manager, Calvin Pemberton, the National Heroes Park will include a welcome center, a multi-purpose amphitheatre, parade square, a pavilion, a museum and a designated area where the busts of the National Heroes will be erected.
The Director of Culture noted that such an inclusive design provides for opportunities for the hosting of different events at that venue.
“Looking at it from a cultural point of view of course, I’m very much pleased with the amphitheatre and already there’re all kinds of ideas already going through my mind,” Mr. Mills stated.
With respect to the location of the park, east of the RLB International Airport, Mills noted that “it’s the first thing someone will see coming into St. Kitts-Nevis via the RLB Airport and the last thing. So to me it creates that initial impression and a lasting impression.”
Mr. Mills also echoed a call made by Senator the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett for all Kittitians and Nevisians to take ownership of the park when completed, adding that, “we as a people must be able to maintain and take care of it.”
