September 20, 2023: Staff of the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Havana on September 17 attended a Thanksgiving Service at the International Christian Community (ICC) to mark the commencement of the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Independence.
H.E. Ambassador Verna Mills gave featured remarks on the achievements and aspirations of the Federation. She referred to the path to independence, as being “characterized by resilience, flexible adaptation and determination” and taking “pride in the leaps we have made over these forty years to maintain economic stability and peace; and to shape policies that foster equality, opportunity and prosperity for our people “. She mentioned that St. Kitts and Nevis is “well on target for attaining the U.N’s Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the 2030 target date. This is attributable to a combination of factors, including sound and sober leadership, a diversified economy, a resilient people, a literate and industrious workforce, and having eternal faith and trust in the Almighty God”.
Ambassador Mills also stated that “Since Independence, St. Kitts and Nevis has stepped out into the aisle and walked confidently across the world stage, notwithstanding our size and other limitations. In a very real sense, we have been punching well above our weight, particularly in the fields of sports, education, health, diplomacy, technology, and the economy”.
Ambassador Mills then paid tribute to the staff of the Embassy and recognized them for their dedication and commitment. She emphasized that “Their stamina is absolutely extraordinary, and I thank them for their hard work and wish them continued success. Their contribution to our Embassy cannot be overemphasized”. Extreme gratitude was expressed “for the opportunities that Cuba affords us, whether it be for medical treatment, higher education or exchange of best practices, our intention is to continue to judiciously build upon and solidify our mutually strong bonds of friendship”. The Ambassador further reminded everyone of “the unfair situations and challenging times (that) now grip our host country, Cuba. We therefore wish and pray for this great island to witness an early end to its many travails. We are confident that Cuba will outlive and weather the political and economic storms that now confront her”.
In 1995, St. Kitts and Nevis established diplomatic ties with Cuba and it opened its Embassy in Havana in 2014.
The Embassy hosted a reception on September 19, and on September 23 there will be a walk on the famous Malecon.
Also in attendance at the service were Winston Hanley, Counsellor, Embassy staff, students, and diplomats from across the Caribbean and Africa.
