Government House
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
March 20, 2012 (SKNIS):
The four St. Kitts and Nevis National Honours Awardees along with three Queens Honours Awardees will be officially decorated at an Investiture Ceremony that takes place Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Government House, Springfield, Basseterre.
The National Honours Awardees, who had been announced at last year’s 28th Anniversary of Independence celebrations are Mrs. Mavis Harney-Brown, Star of Merit for Nursing; Mr. Eustace Warner, Medal of Honour for Community Service; Mr. George Gilfillan, Medal of Honour for Community Service and Religion and Mr. Winston “Zack” Nisbett, Medal of Honour for Culture.
The profile of Mrs. Mavis Harney-Brown cited her as having been a trailblazer for Nursing in the Caribbean. She worked throughout the region and founded the Caribbean Nurses Organisation (CNO) in 1957 which is currently among the largest Non-Governmental Organizations in the Region, made up of 29 member countries. Mr. Warner is credited with being involved in Community Service for over 50 years having been instrumental in National Carnival and actively charting the way in the formative years in addition to adding his cultural flair to the dance scene of St. Kitts and Nevis. He took his love of country with him when he migrated to Canada and was among nationals who founded the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla Association of Montreal before returning to take up the mantle of Community Service locally.
Similarly it was Community Service that earned Mr. George Gilfillan his honours, along with his dedication to Christ and his Church. Pastor Gilfillan was recognized as having had four Churches of the Pentecostal Church of God constructed while under his leadership as Pastor and is known for his generosity and willingness to lend a hand even to persons outside of his congregation. Zack Nisbett’s exposure to the cultural arts began when his Godfather presented him his first clown suit in his youth, from there he become of the owner of such a troupe and greatly contributed to the rejuvenation of folklore displayed at many community festivals and National Carnival celebrations.
The Government House Investiture will also feature the bestowing of previously unannounced Orders of the British Empire on three nationals. Leroy Maynard who was previously honoured will also accept his award at the ceremony.