Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, October 2, 2023 (Press Secretary, PMO) – A special Service of Thanksgiving held on Sunday, October 1st, in Washington DC, commemorated the 40th Anniversary of the Independence of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Organized by the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Washington DC, the service was a momentous occasion that united nationals and friends of the Federation.
The service commenced with a dignified procession into the church, featuring the flags of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the United States of America, accompanied by the uplifting melody of “We Are Together Again.” Key dignitaries in attendance included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, and Saint Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the United States of America, H. E. Jacinth Henry-Martin, alongside dedicated staff from the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Washington DC. Representatives from the Nevis Nationals Association of Washington DC (NEVDC) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Nationals Association of Washington DC (SKNNADC) also participated in the ceremony.
Reverend Damien Hughes, a native of Saint Kitts and Nevis with roots in Challengers Village, Saint Kitts, led the Thanksgiving Service. His sermon focused on acknowledging “the God of all ages” for the blessings and abundant mercies bestowed upon the Federation.
Rev. Hughes called upon Kittitians and Nevisians to boldly embrace faith and unite in building a brighter future, leaving past mistakes behind.
“Within our nation’s citizenry, God has given us all the gifts, the talents, the graces, the attributes, and the acumen to become a Sustainable Island State,” he declared. “Our citizenship does not stop depending on which party is ruling the country, so why should our commitment stop?”
Rev. Hughes further encouraged, “God says we must determine not to let past mistakes hold us back and allow ourselves to move forward with Christ…For Saint Kitts and Nevis to become a Sustainable Island State she must determine that her past mistakes will not stand in her way. She must resolve that experience is the name we give to our mistakes. Many people like to remind us of them, but it is our duty not to be hindered by them”.
He further underlined the importance of collective determination and forward-thinking to transform Saint Kitts and Nevis into a sustainable island state.
Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin expressed her admiration for Rev. Hughes’ insightful message, describing it as “erudite” and “a palpable, relatable direction to heal and grow together.” She noted that everyone in attendance left inspired and enriched, believing in the power of togetherness for the national good.
The service also included a captivating steel pan performance by MJ and Omandey Byron of EBJ Harmonics.
The celebration continued with what Ambassador Henry-Martin described as “a delightful virtual gastronomic journey to the twin islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis” during the reception. Attendees savored numerous delicacies from the Federation, including the national dish and local favorites like saltfish balls and cook-up.
Rev. Hughes, credited with coining the winning theme for the Federation’s 40th Anniversary of Independence, “Growing sustainably, developing maturely, building resiliency: Independence 40,” encapsulated the spirit of the occasion, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to progress, resilience, and unity.
The Service of Thanksgiving and its accompanying reception provided a meaningful and joyous way for Saint Kitts and Nevis nationals and their friends in Washington DC to come together and celebrate four decades of independence while looking forward to a brighter future. The event exemplified the enduring bonds between the Federation and its diaspora in the United States.
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