In a landmark decision affirming national heritage, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has officially designated January 28 as an annual national holiday commemorating the historic Buckley’s Uprising. The announcement, made public on January 29, 2026, establishes the observance beginning January 28, 2027, permanently memorializing one of the Caribbean’s most significant labor movements.
During the 91st Anniversary Commemoration at Buckley’s Estate, Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister of Public Infrastructure and elected representative for St. Christopher #3, revealed the Cabinet’s approval under Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew’s leadership. The decision formalizes decades of advocacy by cultural custodians and community leaders who have preserved the memory of the 1935 uprising.
Prime Minister Drew characterized the uprising as both a national turning point and an international catalyst for liberation movements. ‘The events here sent shockwaves across the Caribbean and to Africa,’ Drew stated during commemorative ceremonies. ‘This holiday ensures future generations understand the sacrifices made for the rights we enjoy today.’
The government positions this recognition as part of broader initiatives to strengthen historical awareness and national identity. Minister Maynard described the estate as ‘hallowed ground’ where events ‘helped shape Caribbean democracy and laid foundations for labor rights and social reform.’
Complementing the holiday designation, the government is advancing multiple preservation efforts including a monument construction at Buckley’s Estate, curriculum integration in national education programs, and expanded public commemoration activities. These measures collectively aim to enshrine the uprising’s legacy in the nation’s consciousness while promoting values of social justice, equality, and unity that continue guiding the Federation’s development.