Independence Day Is September 19th
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
September 04, 2009 (SKNIS)
The important role young people must play to ensure the continued sustainable development of St. Kitts and Nevis will be highlighted during the annual Independence celebrations, this month.
National Coordinator for the 26th Independence Committee, Crios Freeman, told SKNIS that the theme for this year’s anniversary is “Embracing Our Youth Today, to Ensure a Brighter Tomorrow.” During an appearance on the radio programme, Perspectives, he noted that activities will be targeted towards the youth population to promote patriotism and foster a greater sense of pride.
“I urge all young people, to take this opportunity to be a part of the Independence celebrations and to recognize in your own self, that the development of our country “¦ and the part that you play in that development [process] is very critical “¦ today and certainly for tomorrow,” the 27-year-old coordinator stressed.
One youth-oriented activity is the Community Flag Raising Ceremony which takes place on September 16 ““ National Heroes Day. At 9:00 a.m. on that day, persons are encouraged to participate in this tradition spearheaded by scout groups and schools in the community.
Mr. Freeman said that he would like to see more youth groups and social clubs attend this brief ceremony, designed to build community pride and unity.
Another event which will have a youth focus is the community awards that will be dubbed the Independence Youth Awards this year.
“There are young people who “¦ have had years of exemplary service to our country, and our community and whose own lives would have impacted the lives of many other young people,” he stated, dismissing the long held notion that only senior members of society qualify for national recognition on this special occasion.
Mr. Freeman referred to various Government programmes such as scholarships to overseas universities, land distribution initiatives and youth entrepreneurial projects that promote empowerment.
“All of these are things which should be highlighted and celebrated during this year’s Independence,” he stressed. “”¦ We are the part-leaders of today, and the leaders of tomorrow. We have to embrace, that we are being embraced today, so that we can ensure a prosperous future.”
St. Kitts and Nevis gained Independence from Great Britain on September 19, 1983.