Independence Day was celebrated at the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Havana with much zeal and patriotic fervor. On the evening of Thursday, 19th September 2019, an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the premises of the Mission in observance of the 36th Anniversary of Independence, which was the first anniversary held on the grounds of the Embassy since its relocation last year.
The diplomatic reception commenced with the national anthems of Cuba and St. Kitts and Nevis. The proceedings were chaired by the Embassy’s Counsellor, Mr. Michael Esdaille who in his greetings gave a brief yet poetic description of the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Federation’s Ambassador H.E. Verna Mills then delivered remarks on St. Kitts and Nevis’ continued success in education, health, sports, diplomacy, technology and the economy, and its shared values and friendship with Cuba which has been a great supporter throughout the years.
Among the Cuban officials who graced the occasion were the Minister of Construction, Rene Mesa Villafana, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ana Teresita Gonzalez Fraga and the Head of the Protocol Office in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Aramis Fuente Hernandez.
Also attending were Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps from the Caribbean, North America, Africa, Europe, Latin America and Asia; St. Kitts and Nevis students based in Havana, Cubans of St. Kitts and Nevis descent, Embassy Staff and Cuban friends and well-wishers.