As the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis marked its 43rd year of independence, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) turned a spotlight on 10 outstanding Nevisian citizens whose decades of service have shaped the island’s social, economic and cultural landscape at a special awards ceremony. Held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Charlestown’s iconic Elquemedo T. Willett Park, the event formed a centerpiece of this year’s national independence celebrations, carried out under the official theme “Celebrating our Freedom and Heritage; Showcasing our National Symbols.”
The formal proceedings opened with the traditional inspection of the ceremonial parade, after which Deputy Governor General for Nevis, Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd O.B.E., M.H., presented the awards to the 10 honourees. Recognition was extended across seven key categories that span nearly every sector of Nevis’ public and private life: Service, Community, Education, Entrepreneurship, Electricity Generation, Public Service and Tourism, reflecting the diverse ways local residents contribute to collective national progress. The award ceremony preceded traditional post-parade festivities including the March Past, Advance in Review Order, Feu de Joie and Three Cheers to the Nation.
The lifetime achievement award in the Service category went to Mr. Ira Jeffers, whose cross-sector career has left lasting marks on education, national security, law, sports, and religious life. Jeffers was a pivotal figure in founding the Nevis Unit of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Cadet Corps, and remains an active servant leader in the Anglican Church, serving as a Lay Reader, member of the Diocesan Synod and Council, and Church Commissioner for Nevis.
Community honoree Mrs. Sylvia Fahie earned recognition for her dual decades-long contributions to mathematics education and local community resilience. Over her teaching career, she taught mathematics and West Indian History, led curriculum development initiatives, organized regional mathematics fairs and competitions, led professional development workshops for new educators, and provided free tutoring to underserved students. Beyond the classroom, she has volunteered extensively with the Nevis Disaster Management Department, supporting the island’s preparedness and response efforts.
Two individuals were recognized in the Education category for their decades-long commitment to expanding learning opportunities for Nevisians of all ages. Mrs. Floretta Adina Taylor retired after a 42-year career in education that saw her rise from classroom teacher to Assistant Principal, Principal, and finally Adult and Continuing Education Officer, where she expanded access to learning for adult learners and mentored a generation of new educators. Mr. Orion Jones was honored for his work advancing technical and vocational training on the island, building a successful independent electrical business after gaining cross-training in plumbing, masonry, and carpentry, and contributing to the construction of affordable housing across Nevis.
Two entrepreneurs were recognized for their longstanding contributions to local economic opportunity and community service. Mr. Charles Webbe founded two enduring local institutions: the community snackette CINMACHAL, and Charlie’s Driving School, launched in 2000. For decades, his businesses have provided accessible goods, services, and certified driving instruction to multiple generations of Nevisian residents. Mr. Oswald Browne spent 42 years in Nevis’ electricity sector, rising from entry-level operator to Operator Supervisor, where he helped ensure the island’s power grid remained reliable for all residents. After retiring, he founded Browne’s Welding Works, a successful custom fabrication and repair business that continues to serve local industries and residents.
Two honorees were recognized for their decades of service to critical public infrastructure and administration. Mr. Spencer Powell was honored for 40 years of dedicated work in Nevis’ electricity generation sector, joining the Nevis Electricity Department in 1985 and remaining with the utility NEVLEC until his retirement in 2025. He built a reputation for steady leadership, maintaining the island’s power supply through severe tropical weather events and mentoring dozens of younger plant operators throughout his career. Ms. Mildred Martin, recognized in the Public Service category, served more than 30 years in Nevis’ customs administration, holding posts at both the Vance W. Amory International Airport and Long Point Port, and accepting a special appointment as Collection Officer to recover outstanding government revenues. Like Powell, she prioritized mentoring early-career customs officers throughout her tenure.
Rounding out the list of honourees was Ms. Clara Smithen, recognized for cross-sector public and private service. Over her career, she held roles at the Nevis Philatelic Bureau, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Legal Department, and Government House, where she served as Administrative Officer and Private Secretary, while also volunteering extensively for local church and community initiatives. The final award, in the Tourism category, went to Mr. Hubert Jeffers, who has spent more than 40 years shaping Nevis’ world-class visitor experience. He held early roles at the Newcastle Bay Marina and Four Seasons Resort Nevis before launching a 30-plus year career as a taxi operator and tour guide, where he has shared his deep, personal knowledge of Nevis’ history, culture and natural beauty with millions of visitors, boosting the island’s global reputation as a top travel destination.
Following the ceremony, the Nevis Island Administration issued an official statement thanking all government ministries, departments, community partners and individual volunteers who worked to organize both the awards ceremony and the wider schedule of 43rd Independence Anniversary events across the island, noting that the honourees embody the spirit of service and national pride that this year’s celebrations were designed to highlight.