ASKaND CELEBRATES 1st BIRTHDAY of Beyoncé's "Listen," In a sparkling celebration of St. Kitts rendition leaving everyone in awe of her
and Nevis heritage, ASKaND’s Gala powerful voice. Not to be outdone, event took centre stage in Birmingham; marking the proud first rising star, CreezOn took the stage, captivating the crowd with his anniversary of the newest association in town. The event, held at the prestigious H Suite, brought together up to 150 eager patrons for an enchanting evening that lasted well into the night. From the moment guests arrived, an elaborate drinks reception set the tone for an exquisite affair. The night unfolded with a delectable threecourse meal, and the ambiance was nothing short of magnetic. As Caribbean music filled the air; infusing the atmosphere with a vibrant energy that could only come from a gathering of proud Kittitian charismatic performance of “From and Nevisian descendants. St. Kitts to England”. The dynamic Our stage show featured two duo left no doubt of their immense exceptional talents; each one a St talent and received thunderous apKitts-Nevis descendant. Keilah plause from all in attendance. Rebekah, who enthralled the The evening's success did not come without its challenges; as the dedicated team behind the scenes worked tirelessly to overcome early obstacles. Their unwavering resilience and determination ensured that ASKaND’s first anniversary Gala was a triumph; indicative of the unity and spirit within the St. Kitts and Nevis community.
audience with her mesmerising
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKN PM!
ASKaND is also truly appreciative of the generosity shown to us by our sponsors, with the superb donations given to us for the raffle and drinks reception. In addition, we must
acknowledge the selfless helpers and dedicated volunteers; along with the staff and technical engineers of the H Suite. Their tireless efforts and commitment to excellence played an integral role in making the event a resounding success. As the first year of ASKaND draws to a close, there is an undeniable sense of achievement and progress within the community. Looking forward, the future holds enormous potential for continued growth and further accomplishments. ASKaND proudly embraces the task of uplifting and uniting the community of its twinisland homeland of St. Kitts and Nevis; extending an open invitation to all who wish to join in the exciting journey ahead. ASKaND first anniversary Gala's has proven to be just the beginning of an exciting chapter in St. Kitts and Nevis-descendants' empowerment and collective progress. As we move forward, let us continue to celebrate the incredible diversity and rich heritage that binds us together. Stay tuned for more inspiring events and initiatives that will continue to shape our vibrant SKN community!
Jacqui Daniels ASKaND Chair
SKN “COUNSEL OF THE YEAR”
NEWSPAPER
December 2023 //Volume 3, Issue #03
PM Dr Drew is ‘21’ Again! Happy Birthday to the Hon. Dr. Terrence Drew, esteemed Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis!
On his special day, the Association of St. Kitts & Nevis Descendants in Birmingham, sends its warmest wishes to him. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to the well-being of our beloved nation is truly admirable and has not gone unnoticed by all. May your birthday be filled with joy, happiness, and blessings. We celebrate you; we appreciate you along with the positive changes you have brought to our beautiful islands. Here's to another year of positive, inspiring leadership and continued progress.
Photo montage shared by Minister Geoffrey Hanley on Prime Minister Dr Drew's birthday
ASKaND New Year Social Evening Join us on Friday 12th January 2024 to see in the new year with a social evening straight after our first ASKaND members meeting for 2024 at Unity House, 186 St Paul's Road, Birmingham, B12 8LZ. Unity House is a well-established, black-owned venue, which we are delighted to make use of and support our wider Caribbean community. We would like to encourage everyone to arrive for an early start at 6pm on Friday 12 th January. All are welcome to join our social after the meeting. So please do come along, and raise a glass to 2024 with us! Page 2
December 2023 //Volume 3, Issue #03
NEWSPAPER
MC Wilkin-Armbrister Wins Top Award! We are delighted to announce that Mrs. Elsa Wilkin-Armbrister, Minister Counsellor at the St. Kitts and Nevis
High Commission in London, has earned the prestigious 2023 Embassy Consular Award for Counsel of the Year within her region. Her remarkable achievements in streamlining internal payment processes and connecting with the diaspora have set a new standard amongst her peers. Join us as we delve into Minister Counsellor WilkinArmbrister's remarkable journey and uncover the incredible impact she has made in her professional role.
Consul of the Year for the
She approaches these situations in a calm and friendly manner while guiding persons to positive outcomes.
Caribbean Elsa WilkinArmbrister High Commission She also conceptualises independence celebrations for of St Christopher & Nevis nationals including the recent 40th Anniversary Mrs Elsa G Wilkin-Armbrister Independence cocktail reception and dinner at the Park has almost a decade of Regis Hotel in Birmingham in September 2023. She also experience in the diplomatic keeps nationals up to date on policy changes, new corps. She held the post of implementation of legislation and other important Deputy Consul General at the initiatives taking place in the St Kitts and Nevis Consulate Federation through quarterly in Dubai and since 2017, she meetings with the associations has served in the role of in the diaspora. Minister Counsellor at the St Kitts and Nevis High Mrs Wilkin-Armbrister is an Commission in London. excellent resource to her country, the High Commission A major part of her duties deals with Consular work and the wider Caribbean which is not limited to immigration, but includes health, region. Colleagues can always repatriation, education, family conflicts and security. Mrs contact her when they need assistance. As a natural Wilkin-Armbrister has been innovative in her approach leader, she Chaired the CARICOM Day subcommittee for to her work. In modernising the payment system at the four years. High Commission, her initiatives have seen the evolution from payment postal orders, to credit card and now She has a passion for Cultural Diplomacy and connects to electronic transfer payments to ensure a more the talents, successes, products and ideas of nationals at efficient payment process. St Kitts and Nevis has a large home in St Kitts and Nevis with the diaspora through diaspora in the UK, and to better serve them, the Mission’s social media platforms, such as an ‘Art Mrs Wilkin-Armbrister conducts consular clinics. These month’ during which she showcases artwork from artists have been done in cities including Leeds and in the Federation; and a Literary month to spotlight Birmingham with plans to add Leicester, Manchester published authors from St Kitts and Nevis on the and Luton in the coming months. The aim of these clin- Mission’s – the ultimate goal being to build a library of ics is to avail citizens of the various services the High books published by nationals of St Kitts and Nevis at the Commission offers for nationals unable to travel to High Commission. She has also hosted an art and craft London. Mrs Wilkin-Armbrister also assists nationals exhibition to showcase art and products of young with many challenging situations, through repatriation entrepreneurs from the Federation. Mrs Wilkinof remains, Armbrister is also an advocate of women empowerment nationals and demonstrates this by providing girls with financial being literacy education. She has done this by donating more stranded in than 100 copies of the book Cash is Queen to school the UK during girls in Nevis. She also collaborates with Ms Davinia COVID-19, Tomlinson, Founder of RainChq and author of Cash is stuck in Queen to provide girls in St Kitts-Nevis and the diaspora countries with with financial literacy master classes. military For her dedication, drive and the care she shows for the conflicts, or citizens of St Kitts and Nevis Mrs Wilkin-Armbrister is a citizens in distress with deserving Consul of the Year for the Caribbean. limited alternatives.
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NEWSPAPER
December 2023 //Volume 3, Issue #03
ASKaND Donates Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors As members are aware, following the High Commission’s 40th Independence Anniversary Gala Dinner held on 15th September 2023 in Birmingham, ASKaND donated two 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure monitors to the St Kitts and Nevis High Commission for distribution to hospitals in St Kitt and in Nevis. The monitors have now been handed over to the High Commission, and will be winging their way to their respective new homes shortly. We look forward to learning more about their impact on the SKN community in the near future.
ASKaND is Calling All Children! Christmas is Coming! So why not join us for the
ASKaND Childrens Christmas Party on Sunday 10th December 2023 at Hall Green United Community Church Reddings Lane, Hall Green Birmingham, B28 8TE from 4pm—6pm Register your child using the link below
https://forms.gle/Ht2czcQzXp536Wpq9 The closing date is 6 December 23:59pm (11:59pm) We will look forward to seeing you there!
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NEWSPAPER
December 2023 //Volume 3, Issue #03
Latest posting dates for Christmas For items going to St Kitts-Nevis before Christmas, please note that the following are the last service dates Royal Mail recommend for customers purchasing postage using Royal Mail online services. International Tracking and Signature services – Monday 11 December International Standard (Untracked) – Tuesday 5 December
The dates below are last service dates for customers purchasing postage at a Post Office. International Tracking and Signature services – Wednesday 6 December International Standard (Untracked) – Monday 4 December
Transpak Shipping
Sadly, dates for shipping to St Kitts and Nevis in time for Christmas, have long since passed. But here are the dates for shipping to St Kitts and Nevis up to February 2024. St. Kitts
Nevis
Load
Sail
ETA
Load
Sail
ETA
18.12.23
29.12.23
12.01.24
18.12.23
29.12.23
19.01.24
23.01.24
28.01.24
09.02.24
23.01.24
28.01.24
16.02.24
20.02.24
25.02.24
08.03.24
20.02.24
25.02.24
15.03.24
ASKaND Membership 2023 Renewals
Please do not
forget that membership renewals are now due. Many, many thanks to those who have chosen to support us, once again, and we will certainly be putting your funds to good use. We would like to give members a two month window in which to re-subscribe. After that time, unfortunately we will have to withdraw member benefits. The renewal fee is £15, and payments can now be made online at www.askand.org, as well cash payments at our monthly meeting(s).
Members Meetings Friday—12th January 2024 Venue: Unity House, 186 St Paul's Road, Birmingham, B12 8LZ at 1800hrs (6pm)
ASKaND Members meetings will be held at the BCA, Jenkins Street, Birmingham, B10 0PQ at 1900hrs (7pm). Friday—2nd February 2024 Friday—1st March 2024 Friday—5th April 2024 Friday—3rd May 2024 Friday—7th June 2024 Friday—5th July 2024 Friday—2nd August 2024 Page 5
NEWSPAPER
December 2023 //Volume 3, Issue #03
GET ON OUR SOCIALS! In addition to our Socials, we now have our web address! It is still very much a work in progress and Peter, our Communications Officer, will be asking for your input on what you would like to access on our website.
But in the meantime, please don’t forget our Socials which are having more and more people wanting to connect to us every week. So please find us at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askandbrum Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askandbrum/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/askandbrum Also, don’t forget our Linktree link. There you will find a some interesting ’extras’! Find us at: www.askand.org
“JUMBIE CORNER” Chant for the Clowns I heard the sufferer say, ''The year has been tough, You don't know how rough, Come spangle-tingle for me. With your bright costume, Embellished by bells, Come spangle-tingle for me. I'll follow the clowns, Raise me up as I'm down, Come spangle-tingle for me. You jingle as you move, Your graceful groove, Come spangle-tingle for me. In green and yellow, Orange and red, Come spangle-tingle for me. I'll follow the clowns, Exchange laughter for frown, Come spangle-tingle for me.'' ©Natty Mark Samuels, 2023. African School.
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December 2023 //Volume 3, Issue #03
NEWSPAPER
St. Kitts-Nevis 2023-24 National Carnival Events
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May 20232023 //Volume 2, Issue #008#03 December //Volume 3, Issue
NEWSPAPER
St. Kitts-Nevis 2023-24 National Carnival Events
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