Charlestown, Nevis
August 1, 2007
For Immediate Public Release
Nevis remembers the 236 lives that were lost, with a Memorial Service to commemorate the 37th Anniversary of the MV Christena Disaster which took place on August 1, 1970.
The Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry said, “This disaster brought a significant new beginning to Nevis and we must never forget this important part of Nevis’ history.”
The service is being held today Wednesday, August 1, 2007 on Samuel Hunkins Drive in Charlestown.
The Chairman for this occasion is Father Ernest Fleming. Other speakers for the event are the Honourable Joseph Parry and Pastor Theothilus Kelly. The opening prayer will be read by Rev. Cicely Brown and the closing prayer will be said by Emerald Hanley.
Premier Parry, stated that in light of this tragedy, the beginning of the Nevis Reformation Party was pioneered by Mr. Simeon Daniel, Mr. Ivor Stephens and Mr. Uhral Swanston. These men felt that strong sense of loss and they made great efforts to give Nevis a voice and tried to keep the island together inspite of the hardships it suffered from the Christena Disaster.
At last years event, Mr. Parry asked Nevisians to honour those who perished, to cherish the new life that came out of the Disaster, also to be proud of what they have achieved and to remember that the achievements did not come without sacrifice.