Basseterre, St. Kitts, January 29, 2025 (PMO)– To honor the legacy of the 1935 Buckley’s Uprising, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has announced the acquisition of land at Buckley’s, which will be dedicated to constructing a permanent monument commemorating the struggle of the nation’s forebears. The announcement was made during the 90th anniversary commemoration ceremony of the Buckley’s Uprising, held under the theme “Reflections after Ninety Years: The Buckley’s Uprising as a Catalyst for Change in the British West Indies.”
Addressing attendees, Prime Minister Drew underscored the significance of the acquisition, which ensures that the land—spanning from the main road to the boundary of the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital—will be officially owned by the Buckley’s Uprising Committee. This milestone, he noted, marks a critical step in preserving the history and legacy of the courageous men and women who sacrificed for justice and labor rights in St. Kitts and Nevis and across the Caribbean.
To advance this initiative, the Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government’s financial commitment, pledging an initial allocation of $100,000 to begin preparations for the construction of the monument. This funding is part of a broader government commitment of $1 million over time to ensure that the monument stands as an enduring tribute to the resilience and determination of those who led the 1935 revolt.
“This is a tremendous achievement. A monument is not only for remembering history but also for reminding us of the principles our ancestors stood for. We must carry those principles with us every day,” said Prime Minister Drew. “This is why we have committed resources, and today, I announce that $100,000 is already available to the committee to begin laying the groundwork for the construction of this important national monument.”
During his remarks, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to the Rastafari movement and the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union for their continued efforts in ensuring that the significance of the Buckley’s Uprising is never forgotten. He also highlighted the words of renowned Caribbean historian Sir Hilary Beckles, who recently credited the Buckley’s Uprising as the pivotal event that set the stage for liberation and decolonization across the Caribbean and beyond.
Dr. Drew reaffirmed that the struggle for total liberation continues, emphasizing that the ultimate victory will be when the people of St. Kitts and Nevis decide their path to complete freedom.
With the formalization of land ownership and the government’s financial commitment, the Buckley’s Uprising Monument Project moves from vision to reality. The Buckley’s Uprising Committee is expected to commence planning and preparatory works, ensuring that this sacred ground becomes a landmark of national and regional significance.
