Earl and Countess of Wessex
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
February 24, 2012 (SKNIS)
A release from the office of His Excellency the Governor General Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, states that the public will have an opportunity to meet and greeting the visiting royal couple next week.
The logistical director for the royal visit, Stanley Franks told SKNIS that persons should seize the opportunity to be a part of a grand and rare event as the visit of British Royalty on Saturday March 3. The visit of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, is an occasion which can provide significant social exposure to participants who will witness an important occasion in the history of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Locals can catch a first glimpse of the Earl and Countess of Wessex at Port Zante at the welcome ceremony at 9:00 am. Persons will be allowed entrance into a designated secure area to view the event.
Mr. Franks indicated that persons are encouraged to arrive by 8:45am. Parking will be facilitated nearby as the usual parking restrictions for cruise vessels berthing at Port Zante will apply. He added that the events being staged to mark the grand occasion are being reviewed with a “fine toothed comb” to ensure precision and success.
The logistical director called on the general public to be sensitive to any temporary arrangements which may impact the usual flow of traffic at event locations. He expressed confidence in the security plan developed by the security team from the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and St. Kitts-Nevis Defense Force. He assured that the safety measures were designed to not isolate the royal couple.
“Line the streets” Mr. Franks encouraged, “The Route for the Procession of the Royal Couple will be announced shortly giving the public a chance to be involved. Like the Queen’s Birthday parades of the past, this is a family event; the kind of thing children appreciate highly and parents are excited to participate in. What could be more exciting and awaken the imagination of children than thoughts of princes and princesses, castles and royal processions?”
When the Royals leave Port Zante they will travel to the preserve along Kim Collins Highway for its official renaming which will identify it as a Royal National Park, then on to Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park for a tour and plaque unveiling, followed by other scheduled events.