Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 17, 2021 (SKNIS): Eight exemplary nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis were invested with the Medal of Honour having being chosen for the 2020 National Honours Awards for their exceptional contribution to nation-building at an investiture ceremony held by His Excellency the Governor-General Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Government House.
The Medal of Honour (MH) was awarded to Mrs. Pearline Theresa Mussenden for her contribution in Education; Joseph Emanuel Benders for his involvement in the Arts; Dr. A Linton Liburd, for his role in Medicine; Mrs. Patricia Mary Nurse-Clarke and Charles Delvin Mc. Master, for their participation in Community Service; Mrs. Pamela Elaine Brookes, Nursing, and Dr. Judy Nisbett and Brian Dyer for National Service in Crisis.
Dr. Linton Liburd was unable to attend the ceremony. However, he will receive his medal from Her Honour, Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd, Deputy Governor-General for Nevis, at a separate ceremony.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, congratulated the awardees and thanked them for their meritorious contributions to nation-building.
“Today, their work, dedication and their efforts are being publicly acknowledged and appreciated. For our Federation, today is a chance to say thank you, and this privilege falls on me as our prime minister to say thank you for what you do to make our communities stronger and our Federation better,” said Prime Minister Harris. “This honour we bestow on you today is not just an acknowledgement of your work, but it is a shining light to others of what can be achieved through patriotic service. In your efforts and commitment, we see our faith reflected.”
Prime Minister Harris said that the awardees are deserving of such honour as they have shown that “service should be embraced and not avoided.”
“The eight outstanding nationals that have been invested with the 2020 Medal of Honour by His Excellency the Governor-General are all deserving. The Medal of Honour is one of the two highest civilian honours that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis bestows on its sons and daughters. We present these medals to honour those who go above and beyond their call of duty,” said Dr. Harris. “This Medal of Honour is an acknowledgement that the recipients truly have put country above self. Today’s recipients have more than demonstrated this virtue. They are deserving of the honour, and they are deserving of our gratitude.”
The honourees were awarded in keeping with the National Honours Act No.19 of 96. The National Honours Act provides for the Companion of the Star of Merit, the Medal of Honour and the Order of National Hero to be awarded to any citizen of St. Christopher and Nevis, who renders distinguished and outstanding service to the nation.
Mrs. Telca Wallace was also awarded the Points of Light Certificate for her contribution in Volunteerism and Community Service.
Present at the ceremony were members of the Cabinet, as well as other senior government officials, family members of the honourees, and other specially invited guests.
