Published 20 September 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Senator Byron-Nisbett pays tribute to First Living National Hero Simmonds
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, September 20, 2018 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Senator the Hon Akilah Byron-Nisbett, has paid glowing tribute to Federation’s First Living National Hero, the Right Excellent and Right Honourable Dr Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds, KCMG, JP, NH, saying he is the embodiment of ‘Country above Self’.
On the occasion of the unveiling of statues of the five National Heroes at the National Heroes’ Park on Monday September 17, Senator Byron-Nisbett was given the honourable task of presenting a bouquet to the man who was the Federation’s first Prime Minister when the country gained its independence on September 19, 1983.
“This morning I have been granted the privilege to give honour to a great man,” said the Hon Byron-Nisbett. “A man of dignity – a man of profound character, a nation builder, our first Prime Minister and our only living National Hero, the Right Excellent and Right Honourable, Sir Dr Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.”
With the profile of Dr Simmonds having been read by Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Shawn Richards, Senator Byron-Nisbett said that the Nation and its people were on that day saying ‘thank you’ to him for his life of service, his visionary leadership, and for so ably starring the country’s ship of independence from its first voyage in 1983, noting that Dr Simmonds has continued to give of himself towards nation building.
“You are truly deserving of all accolades which have been bestowed upon you and so we say thank you and we pray God’s continued blessings upon you, and your family who have shared you with us,” stated the Hon Byron-Nisbett.
In conclusion, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly said: “Sir Kennedy you have been a blessing to our nation, the embodiment of Country above Self, and so today we give you honour for your immeasurable contributions to our nation.”
Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris delivered the feature address at the colourful ceremony that was attended by hundreds of citizens and residents, and held under the patronage of the Governor General His Excellency Sir Tapley Seaton, GCMG, CVO, QC, JP.
In attendance were members of the Federal Cabinet, the Nevis Island Administration Cabinet, and members of the Diplomatic and Consular corps. Also present was Speaker of the National Assembly the Hon Michael Perkins, and President of the Nevis Island Assembly the Hon Farrel Smithen.
Other statues unveiled, in sequence, were those of the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, JP, NH; the Right Excellent Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, JP, NH; the Right Excellent Sir Joseph Nathaniel France, CBE, JP, NH; and the Right Excellent Dr Simeon Daniel, JP, NH.
ENDS
Pix captions:
1: Senator the Hon Akilah Byron-Nisbett after she would have presented the bouquet to The Right Excellent and Right Honourable Dr Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.
2: Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris greeting The Right Excellent and Right Honourable Dr Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds, as Lady Mary Simmonds looks on.
3: Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Shawn Richards reading the profile of The Right Excellent and Right Honourable Dr Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.
4: After his statue was unveiled at the National Heroes’ Park, Dr Simmonds took the opportunity to look at it critically. With him are family members including Lady Mary Simmonds
