The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis has formally recognized sixteen exceptional citizens for their profound contributions to national development during two distinguished Investiture Ceremonies at Government House on January 28-29, 2026. Under the auspices of Her Excellency Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd, the ceremonies celebrated individuals whose dedicated service has significantly advanced various sectors of Kittitian and Nevisian society.
The inaugural ceremony on January 28th honored eight recipients with the Medal of Honour across diverse fields. Pastor Clive Saunders received recognition for Community Service and Religion, while Etsu Bradshaw-Caines was celebrated for Community Service. Joyah Walters was distinguished in Health and Medicine, Lennox Warner in Business and Entrepreneurship, and Meredith Charles in Security and Defence. The sporting community saw Trevor Huggins honored, alongside Washington J. Fraites in Business and Entrepreneurship, and Stedroy Douglas for his dual contributions to Sports and Community Service.
January 29th witnessed the presentation of the Companion of the Star of Merit to eight additional exemplary citizens. The honorees included Dorothy Clarke, Lorozine E. Williams, and William V. A. Hodge in Education and Academia; Goldwin Caines, MBE, in Public and Civil Service; Dr. Jerome Thomas in Agriculture; Lydia Claxton in Sports; Pastor Leroy Benjamin in Religion and Spiritual Leadership; and Franklyn Dorset for his work in Law & Justice combined with Sports.
Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew delivered heartfelt addresses at both ceremonies, emphasizing the significance of the awards. “Your service speaks volumes. Not through loud proclamations but through actions, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to the common good,” he told recipients. The Prime Minister further reflected that “in a world that often celebrates visibility over value, your recognition today affirms something important. That quiet excellence matters, commitment over time counts, and nation-building is as much about perseverance as it is about vision.”
The honors were conferred under the National Honours Act, which establishes three merit-based awards: the Medal of Honour, the Companion of the Star of Merit, and the Order of National Hero. These ceremonies represent the nation’s highest recognition of citizen service and contribution to societal advancement.