ASKaND Sentinel October 2022 - Vol 2 #002

SKN HIGH COMMISSION WELCOMES ASKaND CHAIR!

On 21

st

September, I had the pleasure of meeting with the St Kitts & Nevis High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr Kevin Isaac, and Minister Officer Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister. I had written to the St Kitts & Nevis High Commission to introduce the Association; to which we were delighted to receive a return email, with an invitation, to meet with His Excellency Dr Isaac.

I was fortunate enough to have His Excellency’s undivided attention for over an hour and it afforded me a wonderful opportunity to talk about ASKaND, its inception and its aims and objectives, target groups, and what the Association would like to achieve.

In addition, I expressed how keen ASKaND was to know how we could support the St Kitts & Nevis High Commission with its UK plan of action.

At the meeting, I asked the High

Commissioner if we could see a greater footprint of the High Commission in Birmingham covering clinics from: St Kitts & Nevis citizenship, to Angel Investment opportunities in St Kitts & Nevis, to more centrally organised events being led by the High Commission around the country.

To that end, we secured a commitment to have Minister Officer Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister attending our ASKaND November 19th event. We are currently in the process of finalising her November timetable, with more information on the event to follow shortly.

Also at the meeting, we discussed how much St Kitts and Nevis has developed and the opportunities that it now affords nationals and their descendants who would like to make it their home and/or invest in the islands. Both His Excellency Dr Isaac, and I commented on how we would like to build a strong St Kitts-Nevis identity amongst the descendant communities in the UK and develop new links on the islands, along with making new links abroad with other St Kitts-Nevis associations and organisations.

We are certainly looking forward to enjoying more contact with the St Kitts & Nevis High Commission as we both aim to raise the profile of St Kitts & Nevis in the UK.

Jacqui Daniels ASKaND Chair

In this issue

SKN National Heroes!

SKN Movers ‘n’ Shakers

Celebrating SKN 39th Independence

NEWSPAPER

October 2022 //Volume 2, Issue #002

NATIONAL HEROES SKN NATIONAL HEROES DAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

The first Premier of Nevis, Simeon Daniel, joined the list of National Heroes in 2013; and in 2015, the first living person to receive this honour was Sir Dr. Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds, the first Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis.

Featured Article Links

St Kitts and Nevis National Heroes Day is a public holiday in St. Kitts and Nevis and is observed on 16th September. Independence Day takes place a few days after National Heroes' Day and depending on which days of the week these holidays fall on, either holiday may be extended.

This holiday commemorates citizens of the Federation who have given distinguished service to the country and honours individuals who have the greatest contribution to the country’s advancement.

There are currently five national heroes: Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, Paul Southwell, Joseph Nathaniel France, Simeon Daniel and Kennedy Simmonds.

The St Kitts and Nevis Federal Parliament passed the National Honours Act in 1998, establishPage 2

•

National Heroes

•

St Kitts and Nevis Looks to Establish Medical Cannabis Industry

ing three classes of awards: The Order of National Hero, the Star of Merit and the Medal of HonMembers Meetings our. The act also proclaimed 16th September as National Heroes Day. All ASKaND Members meetings The first National Heroes Day will be held at the BCA, Jenkins took place on 16 September Street, Birmingham, B10 0PQ at 1998. It honoured Robert Llewel1900hrs. lyn Bradshaw, who was the first Premier of St Kitts and Nevis.

Friday—4th November 2022 The holiday is observed on his Friday—2nd December 2022 birthday. A bust of Bradshaw, donated by the Republic of Cu- Friday—6th January 2023 ba, was unveiled in the arrival Friday—3rd February 2023 lounge of the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.

Friday—3rd March 2023 In 2004, the National Assembly affirmed former Premier and Chief Minister Sir Caleb Azariah Paul Southwell, and former Social Services Minister and trade unionist Sir Joseph N. France as National Heroes.

Friday—7th April 2023 Friday—5th May 2023 Friday—2nd June 2023 Friday—7th July 2023

NEWSPAPER

October 2022 //Volume 2, Issue #002

ASKaND HERITAGE DAY SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER 2022

our community; workshops that you are encouraged to dip in-and-out of; and refreshments will ing it first St Kitts & Nevis Heritage Day event at be available all day. the BCA, Jenkins Street, Birmingham. We will be delivering a 2-hr activity session (from 1100Finally we will wrap up with our Heritage Day 1300) for children aged 5+. We will be focussing Quiz, hosted by ‘Messi Diamonds’. The Messi on the carnival arts of: mask-making, masquerDiamonds crew guarantee an evening of family ade, steelpan and dance. Then from 1300 we fun and laughter combined with great quiz-play. will be having a marketplace with vendors from So come along and join in the fun.

On Saturday 8th October, ASKaND will be host-

ASKaND Needs More Officers!

The ASKaND Executive Board is in need of member support to cover the following positions: • • • •

Secretary Fundraising Officer Social Secretary Communications Officer

If anyone is interested in these roles and would like to find out more about it, please contact: ASKaND-Chair, Jacqui Daniels or ASKaND-CSO, Edlynn Zakers at: askand2022@gmail.com; or see us after the members meetings!

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NEWSPAPER

October 2022 //Volume 2, Issue #002

ASKaND “MOVERS & SHAKERS”!

Not so long ago, the idea of a

black person sitting in the driving cab of a train was not just unusual. It was resented and begrudged. The common view was that the front of the train was ‘white’; the back and the platforms were ‘black’. That is how life was… until Leroy Richards turned up!

Leroy’s first applications for work were rejected out of hand. Undeterred, he secured an apprenticeship and became a qualified electrician. In 1972 he was made redundant, so he applied for the same job as his father and began working for the British Rail in the signal and telegraph division.

Leroy said, “All I remember … was the cold!” He was a long way from St Kitts!

Before long, Leroy didn’t see why he couldn't join the footplate grades. After all, he knew he had the necessary skills, technical qualifications, personality and aptitude. There was no reason why he couldn't become a train driver. Except for the fact that he was black.

LEROY RICHARDS was the first black train driver in the Birmingham. To get to the footplate, and stay there, was a hard road. He endured unspeakable racism in all its forms. But Leroy was no victim. He won his race, and he did so on his own terms.

Leroy was born in St Kitts and took his first major journey at the age of 16, in 1964. He made the 3-week boat voyage alone and was met at Southampton by his father, who had gone on ahead and had begun a 34-year career as a railway guard at Saltley in Birmingham. Leroy was excited at the prospect of a new life; not knowing what to expect.

1964 was a time at the height of British racism, and where

He regular took insults from passengers back in the day too.

Just because he was black, he would be handed luggage to carry when he was on the platform. He would thank them very kindly, tell them he was a driver - and leave!

When he was assigned to drive diesel trains at Birmingham New Street, the situation didn't improve. He was constantly under scrutiny, had racist slogans written on walls, and once his car was vandalised in the locked staff car park by fellow workers.

Every strata of railway society told him that it was not going to happen. Black people did not work on the footplate. But being told firmly that he couldn't be a train driver; made Leroy make it his mission to become one.

His progress was hindered and resented every step of the way, by everyone around him. From the drivers who refused to work with him as a ‘Second Man’ and management colluded with them to exclude him. Instructors, who told him he would never be a driver and failed him within half hour of the driver’s test, while other, less qualified white men, were allowed to continue their tests and passed. These actions left him without the opportunity to drive. But Leroy just thought, “… (I’m) getting paid. I'm going nowhere!”

So, what did Leroy do? He bought a flash car and ‘blinged’ himself up, wearing gold bracelets, rings and flashy watches.

He also worked on his accent.

He was determined to hold on to his Kittitian accent, to show he was proud of his culture and his background. Leroy was determined to be respected for being what he was. He knew his worth, and it gave him strength.

“It is all different today,” he said.

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NEWSPAPER

October 2022 //Volume 2, Issue #002

“There is still institutional racism, but some changes to the law have made a difference. You can’t treat people the way I was treated and picking up cash for compensation doesn’t do much. Attitudes need to change.”

The driving force behind Leroy is that he has always walked proud and tall. He broke barriers in Birmingham and the Midlands and bore the full force of overt, covert and institutional racism. He not

only survived; he thrived and became a force to be reckoned with.

Congratulations Mr Richards on being an ASKaND ‘Mover & Shaker’!

St Kitts & Nevis Looks to Establish Medicinal Cannabis Industry plans to have the citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis be the primary beneficiary of the cannabis industry.

St Kitts and Nevis will soon

set up its own medicinal cannabis industry to reap the benefits of the burgeoning international market.

Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew told SKN Newsline today that the country is behind in the market and he noted that Kittitians and Nevisians are in Canada working on marijuana farms.

“Antigua is ahead, St Vincent is ahead, Jamaica is ahead, and we know that people travel to these countries because they would have an industry that is well-controlled, well-monitored and so forth that allows for the use of marijuana. And so, we will be on that path, and we will see a lot of action in that

area within the first year,” Drew said.

“We have a marijuana commission in place and that commission would start functioning in earnest to get us there. We will then move to expunge the records of those who have criminal records for possession of marijuana. We think that that should not be used as a means to limit people’s advancement in their own lives and so we will put the necessary legislation in place to get us there.”

Establishing a marijuana industry was a campaign promise of the Prime Minister and his Saint Kitts and Nevis Labour Party during the recent general election.

“At this point in time, we are not looking at any outside people necessarily coming in and dominating this industry.

This industry is for our people to develop. We will not make that mistake, and therefore we will, of course, meet those who are involved in this industry and we will work out ways of how we can make sure that they are a part of the industry… I would say at this time, the goal is and what we will do is to make sure that the local growers are protected [and] our people are protected within that industry,” he said.

The Prime Minister said his government will respect a 2019 court ruling that allows islanders to legally use marijuana in the privacy of their homes.

The ruling also made it legal for adults in the Rastafari religion to use marijuana for religious purposes.

Drew said his government

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NEWSPAPER

October 2022 //Volume 2, Issue #002

CELEBRATING 39 YEARS OF ST KITTS & NEVIS INDEPENDENCE—WITH ASKaND!

On the 10th September, in addition to celebrating St Kitts and Nevis Independence, the newly formed Association of St. Kitts & Nevis Descendants was successfully launched. It was a wonderful night with everyone in high spirits for St Kitts & Nevis seeing its 39th year of Independence. Its

theme of ‘Refocus, Recreate, and Redesign’ epitomises the hope ASKaND has in that we reshape and refocus our efforts to support our St Kitts, Nevis and wider black British community in Birmingham.

We would like to thank all those members and supporters who took time out of their busy schedules to help prepare the room and tables; along with those involved with the catering and serving. Their

That evening we had a number of new members join and a bunch of new names to add to our mailing list. It was very encouraging to see people deciding, that night, to be a part of ASKaND; with a view to helping us develop, deliver and support the Association’s objectives.

The night started with complimentary rum punch and followed by a three-course meal. We had Alvin Davis, one of the Midlands’ most successful Saxophonist, serenading us during dinner. Once it was completed, it was definitely time to party! Helping us do that, we had Caribbean Melody Steel Band, Bajan Touch, Commissioner Benji & DJ Daniel, Jus Us, and DJ Buff, all playing on Fatal Attraction super sound system and P.A. equipment.

help was invaluable and much appreciated. The success of the night was due in no small part to them. In addition, we would like to thank the H Suite for hosting us. The service they gave us was superb.

Next year, St Kitts and Nevis with be celebrating 40 years of Independence; and we are looking forward to celebrating Page 6

October 2022 //Volume 2, Issue #002

NEWSPAPER

Items Needed For St Kitts & Nevis Christmas Care Packages!

We are in the process of collecting: • • •

Dried and tinned food stuff Children’s toys Perfume, aftershave and toiletries gift packs

These items will be made up into care packages and distributed to nationals in St Kitts & Nevis for Christmas. If you can help by donating any of these items, then please get in touch with any of the ASKaND Executive Team or send us an email at: askand2022@gmail.com who will be happy to arrange a collection, or drop off points for your items.

The items will be transported by Transpak Shipping to St. Kitts on 29/11/22, with an estimated arrival date of: 16/12/22. When the shipment arrives it will be received by the St Kitts Basseterre Lions who will then distribute the items between recipients on both St. Kitts and Nevis.

The St Kitts Basseterre Lions are a charitable organisation working within the community, whose motto is “We Serve”. You can read more about them and their work on their Facebook page: ‘Skblions ~ St. Kitts Basseterre Lions Club’. Thanking you in anticipation.

Jacqui Daniels ASKaND Chair

Diary Markers– ASKaND Events We, at ASKaND, are please to announce two dates for the diary: •

Saturday 19th November—2022: A Fireside Chat with Elsa WilkinArmbrister (St Kitts and Nevis High Commission) and Friends.

•

Saturday 4th December: ASKaND Christmas event.

More information on both events, will be distributed nearer the date.

However, in the meantime do get us into your diaries!

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NEWSPAPER

October 2022 //Volume 2, Issue #002

Young Peoples’ Page!

St Kitts and Nevis Wordsearch Competition

Find all 16 words that relate to St Kitts and Nevis in the wordsearch. Print this back page and complete

That during the last ice age, sea levels was 91 metres lower, and St. Kitts and Nevis were one island along with the islands of Saba and Sint Eustatius?

Kittitians Liamuiga Narrows Nevisians Sea Springs Sugar UNESCO

Did you know…?

Basseterre Brimstone Caribbean Carnival Charlestown Hill Hot Leeward

In 1498, Christopher Columbus gave Nevis the name San Martín (Saint Martin). However, there was a mix-up with a number of poorly-charted small islands in the Leeward Island and that name ended up being accidentally transferred to another island, which is still known as Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten!

Did you know…?

the puzzle. Take a photo of your sheet and send it to askand2022@gmail.com so you can be entered into a prize draw! The winner will receive a £10 Amazon Gift Voucher! Open to all young people under 13! Rules will be sent by return email to all those who enter. Winners will be announced in November’s

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