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In the late 1960s and early 1970s, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla stood at a crossroads of history, poised for independence from Great Britain. At the center of this pivotal moment was Premier Robert L. Bradshaw, an integrationalist who envisioned a united independent state encompassing all three islands.

However, the path to independence was fraught with complexities. Anguilla vehemently opposed integration with St. Kitts and Nevis under Bradshaw’s leadership, leading to a contentious rift. The UK and the Queen had reservations about facilitating independence with Anguilla included, further complicating the process.

Nevis, too, expressed reservations about an independent St. Kitts and Nevis under Bradshaw’s rule. In a resounding declaration, Nevisians vowed to secede if Great Britain pressed forward with independence, with or without Anguilla.

The turning point came with the passing of Premier Bradshaw in 1978, succumbing to prostate cancer. Paul Southwell briefly succeeded him but tragically passed away a year later while in St. Lucia for a Caricom heads of government meeting. Lee Moore assumed the premiership during this turbulent period.

A by-election to fill the vacant seat left by Bradshaw ensued. Dr. Kennedy Simmonds emerged victorious after a legal battle that culminated in a judge overturning initial results, determining that votes previously declared as spoilt were, in fact, valid. Dr. Simmonds’ win marked a significant shift in the political landscape.

Premier Moore’s administration hesitated to recognize Dr. Simmonds as the duly elected representative, resulting in a prolonged parliamentary standoff. Eventually, an election was called, and the PAM/NRP coalition, led by Dr. Simmonds, assumed power, guiding the nation toward independence.

On September 19, 1983, St. Kitts and Nevis officially gained their independence, with Dr. Simmonds at the helm as the country’s first Prime Minister. The SKN Labour Party, then led by Lee Moore, boycotted the independence celebrations, underlining the deep divisions that marked this transformative era.

Dr. Kennedy Simmonds is rightfully hailed as the Father of Independence, steering the nation through this historic transition and solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in the annals of St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla’s history.