Charlestown, Nevis
February 20, 2008
The Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry, declared Nevis History and Heritage Week launched. He made the declaration in a brief address to the nation via television and radio on Monday, February 18th, 2008.
The theme chosen for this year is “Celebrating Our Religious Heritage”.
In his address, Mr. Parry pointed out that religion plays a major role in our history. “When we talk about religion what do we mean? The religion of some of the planters was Anglican and the Africans brought their native religion. However, it was the Moravians and the Methodists who assisted in ending the slave trade and who taught education to ex-slaves after 1834 and they helped to establish education as we know it today. This is important for us to know,” said Mr. Parry.
According to Mr. Larry Armony, Chair of the History and Heritage Week Committee, the vision statement is: “To foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the history and diverse heritage of St.Kitts and Nevis.”
Mr. Abdul-Karim Ahmed, who is assisting with the activities on Nevis, further explained that “… the stated goal of the History and Heritage week is to promote and encourage civil participation and awareness to the history and heritage of the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis among its citizens.”
Among the week of activities for History and Heritage Week in Nevis are a Primary Schools quiz, a lecture/discussion by Professor Barry Chevannes of the University of the West Indies, the opening ceremony at the Hamilton Museum Grounds, a radio call in show on Choice FM’s popular program, In the Public Domain, and a gospel concert.
“The people of this Federation need to know their history. It can help us in so many ways. The rich history of Africa, which was brought to the Caribbean and to the shores of St. Kitts- Nevis can still be seen in this country in their masquerades, the way we talk and the very things we do locally,” articulated Premier Parry.
The sponsors for this enriching week of activities are the Brimstone Hill Fortress Society, The St.Kitts- Nevis National Bank, the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society and Choice FM 105.3 Community Radio.