The Parish of St. Peter in St. Kitts witnessed an extraordinary celebration of community heritage on October 29, 2025, as the Department of Cultural Heritage hosted its acclaimed “We Village Dat” initiative. The event transformed into a vibrant tapestry of historical remembrance, cultural pride, and communal bonding that resonated deeply with attendees across generations.
The gathering served as both an educational platform and celebratory space where elders passed down local history to younger community members. Delores Hobson established a reminiscent tone by engaging participants in reconstructing geographical memories of Upper and Lower Monkey Hill boundaries and revealing fascinating historical details, including how a cable boxcar system once transported sugarcane down Stapleton Hill during harvest season.
High-profile attendees included Honourable Samal Duggins, Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and the Creative Economy, who energized the crowd with rallying chants of “We Village Dat!” Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Drew, himself a native of St. Peter’s, shared personal anecdotes about his childhood and revealed witnessing African-derived musical rituals in the hills between St. Peter’s and Cayon during his youth.
The ceremony honored several distinguished community members for their contributions: Elroy “Bambell” Belle received recognition for entrepreneurial excellence in butchery and barbering; Sylvia “Missy” Dabrio-Queeley was celebrated for her 25-year service in the Royal St. Christopher Nevis Police Force; and Kennedy “Natural” Hazel was acknowledged for his cultural contributions as an actor and musician.
Two young talents from Dean Glasford Primary School—Zadoiah Pennyfeather, who demonstrated exceptional vocal abilities, and Adakkei Adams, a skilled acrobat—received Young Creative awards. Community Spirit Awards were presented to Asim Collins and Idread Liburd for their unwavering neighborly support.
Pierre Liburd, Director of Culture, expressed commitment to expanding this community-uplifting initiative, founded by Royd Phipps, to all communities throughout St. Kitts.