St. Kitts and Nevis Independence Day will now be celebrated on Oct. 7.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris who said the twin-island federation will officially hold its Independence Day activities on Oct. 7, 2017.
This follows the postponement of activities to mark the country’s 34th anniversary of political independence due to the passage of Hurricane Maria.
In a national address over the weekend, Dr. Harris said Oct. 7 will be proclaimed a national holiday.
“Given the significance, the Cabinet, after consultation with His Excellency the Governor General, Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton, has decided to hold the commemorative Independence Parade, the Toast to the Nation and the Independence Cocktail Reception on Saturday, the 7th of October, 2017,” he said.
St. Kitts and Nevis gained political independence from Britain on Sept. 19, 1983.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat has congratulated the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on attaining 34 years of Independence and has also commended the nation on the progress and development made over those 34 years.
In a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister Harris, CARICOM’s Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque noted, “On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend warmest congratulations to you and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis on the occasion of your country’s thirty-fourth anniversary of Independence.”
LaRocque said the theme chosen to commemorate the Federation’s Independence, “Youth, Vision, Integrity – Securing our Nation’s Prosperity,” speaks to the commitment and shared vision of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis in its continued strides for a better future, adding, “It is also a call on the new generation to participate in the sustainable development process of the country.”
