Almost a year after the unveiling of national icons at the Icons’ Park located at 5-ways in Basseterre by members of Cohort 7 of the CFBC Jenkins Ltd and Jenkins Real Estate Leadership Course, seven persons were added with information boards unveiled detailing their life and contributions to St. Kitts and Neivs on Thursday (March 12th) at an Unveiling Ceremony.
The seven inductees were William Dore, Stanley Sebastia; Peter James; Elston ‘King Ellie Mat’ Nero; Anne Liburd; (Mother of FreedomFM’s Founder, Juni Liburd), Stanley Procope and Dr. Eustace Esdaile, who is still alive and unveiled his information board.
The others were unveiled and read by persons close to the family.
Cohort Member Kerissa Roberts spoke of the icons’ impact on the community and the collective effort of the cohort’s contribution to the tourism sector.
“The icons chosen have made contributions in Music, Agriculture, Community Development, development of financial institutions, Women Empowerment, Education, Innovation in Construction Technology, and Engineering,” she said.
“Some have received many awards in their time, while others are unheard of. However, their hard work, innovation and dedication to exceptional leadership solidifies their place in the Icons’ Park,” she continued.
“Their stories were told in the 1970’s-1990’s but they should not end there. Our nation is immensely rich in history and the icons park, a hub for historical preservation, is a testimony that our history does not have to die. It is our aim to continue to upgrade this beautiful park. It has certainly inspired those who have visited. We trust that their light will shine bright for others to see. Additionally, we hope it would become a destination worth visiting when tourists come to our shores. The inspiration we crave to be better leaders is right here in St. Kitts and Nevis. The impact of this park must be felt beyond the past and present cohort members,” she said.
Further paying homage to the federation on behalf of the cohort members, she recalled an anecdotal incident with course instructor Mr. Peter Jenkins who quoted President John F. Kennedy. She said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for country. So when Mr. Jenkins asked us ‘well what can you do for your country?’ the question is, ‘Do you like our reply?’ May you appreciate all that you can from the Icons’ Park. This is the spark to build better communities and powerful leaders. This is for our nation.”
Other icons there include: Veronica Phillip Samuel Hunkins, Ivan Hanley Sr. Donald Matheson, Leonard Harris, Ivy Harrigan Margeret Moses, and Errol Dolphin.