Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
February 19, 2008 (CUOPM)
A new association of nationals living overseas has been launched in Atlanta, Georgia.
Last Friday’s night launching of the St. Kitts and Nevis Association of Atlanta (SKANAA) coincided with the inauguration of the scheduled non-stop flight by Delta Airlines to the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on Saturday.
The Federation’s Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, following a dinner with incoming Board Members of the SKANAA, was guest of honour at a reception on Friday night, at the home of Denise Chambers-Quinlan, President of the newly formed national association. SKANAA will serve as a community organisation for St. Kitts and Nevis nationals living in the greater metropolitan Atlanta area.
Addressing over 100 nationals at the reception, Prime Minister Douglas expressed his delight to see a strong contingent of nationals and said he was extremely proud to see the strong national spirit and sense of community togetherness.
“There could be no better time for the launch of the St. Kitts and Nevis Association of Atlanta as it takes place in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of our Federation’s independence from Great Britain this year, as well as the inauguration of the new service from Delta Air Lines,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who installed the charter directors of the SKANAA.
On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Douglas cut the ribbon at the official ceremony to launch the new Delta non-stop service from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to St. Kitts’ Robert Bradshaw International Airport at the flight’s departure gate.
Dr. Douglas was joined by Delta officials Jeanene Wilson, Jean Ellisor and Charles Rowe; Denise Chambers Quinlan and other members from the SKANAA along with various representatives from the St. Kitts Tourism Authority.
A steel pan band evoked the rich culture of the twin-island Federation while pop-up banners announced the destination to all who passed by. Refreshments were served while St. Kitts & Nevis national flags and scenic destination postcards imprinted with the flight schedule were given out to inaugural flight passengers in the gate area.