分类： society

The Nevis Island Administration’s Department of Community Development (DCD) celebrated five remarkable individuals with the 2025 Unsung Heroes Award on September 11, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, honored Mr. Joseph “Joe” Claxton, Ms. Tamara “Tammy” Farrell, Ms. Pamela “Pam” Barry, Mr. Orin Perkins, and Mr. Addison Jeffers for their exceptional contributions to community development. Each awardee represents a parish on the island, embodying the spirit of selfless service and dedication. Minister of Community Development, the Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, praised the honorees for their unwavering commitment to nation-building. She emphasized the importance of their work, stating, “These individuals demonstrate passion and contribute without expecting anything in return, other than an improved community.” To immortalize their legacy, portraits of the awardees will be displayed at their respective community centers, serving as inspiration for future generations. Deputy Director of Community Development, Denesia Smithen, linked the awards to the Federation’s 42nd Independence theme, “Perpetual Progress- A Sustainable Future in View: Independence 42.” She highlighted the quiet yet impactful efforts of the honorees, noting that true progress involves lifting others along the way. The ceremony showcased the unique contributions of each recipient. Mr. Claxton preserved Nevisian heritage through dance and music, while Mr. Perkins provided compassionate pharmaceutical services for decades. Ms. Barry led environmental initiatives and empowered her community, and Mr. Jeffers exemplified humility and dedication as a postman. Ms. Farrell’s 30 years of service in youth programs and environmental restoration set a standard for grassroots leadership. The awards were presented by Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley, alongside other parliamentary representatives and dignitaries. The Unsung Heroes Award continues to celebrate the power of selfless service, ensuring that those who shape Nevis’s communities are remembered and inspire future generations.

In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit, CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank recently honored two remarkable women in St. Kitts and Nevis as part of its Unsung Hero Awards initiative. Venetta Zakers and Julie Charles were recognized for their tireless efforts in uplifting their communities during a ceremony held at the bank’s Circus branch. Zakers, the overall winner, was awarded EC$13,500 for her over a decade-long commitment to supporting at-risk girls, single-parent families, incarcerated women, and children. Her initiatives focus on breaking cycles of poverty and exploitation through skill-building and mentorship. Charles, the runner-up, received EC$6,750 for her 20 years of advocacy for victims of domestic violence. She founded the Big Sister Programme in 2004, which mentors young women and empowers them to embrace their potential. CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Unsung Hero Awards aim to shine a light on individuals who selflessly dedicate their lives to strengthening their communities, often without public recognition.

Saint Kitts and Nevis is set to commemorate National Heroes Day on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with a series of ceremonies designed to honor the nation’s most distinguished citizens. The main event, held at the National Heroes Park in Conaree, will commence at 8 a.m. and feature military honors by the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force. The ceremony will include a short program culminating in the laying of wreaths at the statues of the late Right Excellencies Sir Robert Bradshaw, Sir C. A. Paul Southwell, Sir Joseph France, and Sir Simeon Daniel. Additionally, the only living National Hero, the Right Excellent and the Right Honourable Dr. Sir Kennedy Simmonds, will receive special recognition. A separate ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. at the Bradshaw Memorial Park in St. Pauls to honor the contributions of the First National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Robert L. Bradshaw. These events will be attended by dignitaries, including the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, members of the National Assembly, and local and visiting diplomats. Dr. Marcus Natta, Cabinet Secretary and Co-Chair of the Independence 42 Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of public participation and the educational value of the ceremonies, particularly for young people. Students from across the Federation are invited to participate, with representatives from various schools engaging in the ceremonies by handing wreaths to officials and family members of the national heroes. A student will also present flowers to Sir Kennedy Simmonds. Dr. Natta highlighted the significance of educating the youth about the contributions of national heroes and inspiring them to aspire to similar achievements.

The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is grappling with grief and outrage following the tragic death of 18-year-old Sean John, a student at Washington Archibald High School and a resident of College Housing. John, a Dominican national, was fatally shot late Saturday night, September 13, 2025, in an incident that occurred between 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. Police confirmed that he was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene. While details remain scarce, authorities are actively investigating the case. Education Minister Geoffrey Hanley expressed profound sorrow over the loss, condemning the escalating violence in the region. He emphasized the need for collective action to ensure safety and security for all citizens, particularly children. Hanley announced that counseling services would be available at Washington Archibald High School to support grieving students. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of gun violence in St. Kitts and Nevis, with seven homicides recorded this year. Authorities are also investigating the influx of illegal firearms and ammunition into the Federation. Hanley urged citizens to work together to foster peace and create a safe environment for future generations.

A tragic incident has left a family in mourning after an 18-year-old student was fatally shot in St. Kitts late Saturday night, September 13, 2025. The victim, a student at Washington Archibald High School, has yet to be officially identified. The shooting occurred in the College Housing area, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities, who described the case as ‘active and ongoing.’ This heartbreaking event has reignited concerns over the proliferation of illegal firearms in the region. Just days prior, on September 9, police uncovered a significant cache of illegal weapons and ammunition in Saddlers. The seized items included a Mac-10 firearm, multiple magazines, and various rounds of ammunition. Authorities have emphasized that neither St. Kitts nor the broader Caribbean manufactures firearms, raising urgent questions about how these weapons are entering the region, predominantly from the United States. In response, the government has implemented stricter penalties for illegal firearm possession, and several individuals have recently been charged with related offenses. The victim has since been identified as a young man of Dominican origin.