Published 14 June 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Six Icons honoured during CFBC-Jenkins Ltd Leadership Course Graduation Ceremony.
The exit ceremony hosted by the graduates of the 2017-2018 Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College-Jenkins Ltd Leadership Course was dedicated to six individuals who have made indelible contributions to St Kitts-Nevis.
During the ceremony held on 31st May 2018, professionals of the course made several presentations on the icons, speaking to their lives of service and their many contributions to their communities, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and beyond.
Those honoured were Joan Armatrading, Samuel Hunkins, Alexis Knight, Valentine Morris, James Sutton and The Blackburn Youth & Sports Club.
The honourees, as made clear by the renditions, were instrumental in making key strides in the sectors of music, sports, entrepreneurship, education and many more who.
Joan Armatrading was recognized for her contribution to Music. She is the first British- based female Black Artiste to achieve international success.
Alexis Knight and Valentine “Val” Morris were honoured for their contributions to the development of music in the Federation. Both were early pioneers of the Steel Pan and served in the St Kitts-Nevis Defense Force and led the Defense Force Band for many years.
Mr. Samuel Hunkins of Nevis created in Nevis, a pathway for many Nevisians to follow. From sleeping under a Donkey Cart to the establishment of the First Funeral Home in Nevis, becoming the leading Building Contractor, the creation of the Wood Work Academy just some of his major achievements. He blazed a trail.
The educator among the lot was Mr. James Sutton. In his earlier years he was known along with Ison Wharton of Cayon for starting the first Reading Club in Cayon, which was replicated island-wide and forced the creation of the Social Welfare Department. Mr. Sutton was a pioneer in education and held many positions in education including Secretary of the St Kitts-Nevis Teacher’s Union. He is also an author of a number of books.
The final nominee was the Blackburns Youth & Sports Club of McKnight St Kitts. This club won the top championship in Football in 1983 and 1985 and was a leading club in St Kitts during the 1980’s. One of its major achievements was send off of Elvis ‘Pepe’ Isaac to Trials in England. This was the first opportunity for a footballer in St Kitts-Nevis to attend Trials overseas.
They also sent Orville Maynard & Elvis ‘Pepe’ Isaac to the Alvin Corneal Football School in Trinidad. But more importantly, this organization built community and individuals. The men of this organization continue to make meaningful contributions wherever they are.
We salute Joan Armatrading, Samuel Hunkiins, Alexis Knight, Valentine Morris, James Sutton and the Blackburns Youth & Sports Club, Icons of our Federation!
