(The St. Christopher National Trust): October 23, 2018: The National Museum’s latest offering is now open to the public. The History of Commerce and Banking Exhibition opened on Tuesday October 23, 2018 following a brief opening ceremony.
His Excellency the Governor General Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, the Trust’s patron; Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable Shawn Richards and the Governor of the Central Bank Timothy Antoine, were among the dignitaries who attended the launch held inside the museum on Tuesday morning.
Governor Antoine gave brief remarks about the rapid development of St. Kitts’ economy and spoke about the evolution of monetary systems. He commended the work of the National Trust in putting together the exhibit and expressed interest in working with the organization on future initiatives.
Also making remarks on Tuesday morning was Trade Policy Officer within the Ministry of International Trade Ms Monique Davis, who presented on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, who is currently off island. Ms Davis spoke to the role of trade to the development of the country and its potential for future growth.
National Trust President Schneidman Warner meantime, used his welcoming remarks to make an appeal for support for the Trust’s initiatives.
The History of Commerce and Banking Exhibition explores the marked shift in the island’s economy following Emancipation. It features trade-related artifacts, documents and a number of coin collections, including the National Trust Collection which contains pieces that are three hundred years old. Also on exhibit are collections of historic EC currency and commemorative series,’ on loan from the Central Bank.
Information on the establishment, growth and development of banks on the island, makes up part of the exhibition’s section on Banking. In addition to artifact and document displays, the Trade section of the exhibit explores the rise of the business sector on the island and highlights some of the enterprises that were founded in the 19th century, that are still in operation in some form today. Businesses like Wade and Abbott which evolved into TDC Group of Companies and the Estates Agency Depot which became S.L. Horsford and Company Ltd.
The National Museum is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Admission to the exhibition is EC$5.00 for residents. Additional donations are also welcomed.
