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Picturesque Nevis was home to the historic signing of the Treaty of National Unity between three political parties in the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday January 31, 2015.

They came in boatloads across the waters from St. Kitts and from every nook and cranny in Nevis, descending delightfully on The Memorial Square in front of the Courthouse in Charlestown, Nevis. There, thousands witnessed for themselves the symbolic signing of the Treaty of National Unity which consecrated the future of St. Kitts and Nevis.

In an historic moment in the lives of the people of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, the tripartite opposition comprising the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), the People’s Action Movement (PAM),  and The People’s Labour Party (PLP) sealed their commitment to the advancement of Nevis with a broader commitment to take the responsibility of Government seriously.

Chairman for the evening’s proceedings, Mr. Colin Tyrell reminded the attentive audience that by the signing of the Treaty of National Unity, political parties agree to a collaborative approach in handling the affairs of both islands. The effort to foster a more harmonious relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis is deemed as timely and visionary. The future of the blossoming federation, through this undertaking, charts the course for a brighter future.

Deputy Premier of Nevis and CCM candidate for constituency number 9, Mr. Mark Brantley offered brief remarks followed by full disclosure of the terms of the Treaty of National Unity. He reminded the enthusiastic audience that the visionary initiative undertaken by Team Unity is an opportunity to redirect the misguided path our nation has gone down. “This is a chance to finally get it right,” Brantley suggested.

The noble opposition leaders, Mr. Shawn Richards, Dr. Timothy Harris and Premier Vance Amory, each delivered brief remarks regarding the significance of the signing ceremony, emphasizing their collective support and united front in this unprecedented political initiative. Unity offers the federation a paradigm shift away from the old guard of governance which has continued to drive a wedge between Nevisians and Kittitians. The historic public signing of the Treaty of National Unity sealed the future of Nevis and St. Kitts.

Mr. Shawn Richards, leader of the PAM and candidate vying to retain his seat in constituency number 5, expressed his pleasure in journeying from St. Kitts to witness such a mammoth welcome from the people of Nevis. He reaffirmed his commitment to Team Unity, reminding the jubilant audience that the bold initiatives of Team Unity are “people driven.” Richards expressed how humbled he has been by the outpouring of love and support from citizens throughout the length and breadth of the federation. The future of the federation has been sealed and we ought not as a people look back but rather plough ahead with a commitment to reshaping our land of beauty.

Dr. Timothy Harris, leader of the PLP and also leader of the tripartite opposition Team Unity seeking to be re-elected in constituency 7 also spoke glowingly about the treaty signing. Harris expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to stand before the people who have been the drivers of the concept of unifying.  He brimmed with a wealth of joy for his decision to stand up for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis thereby changing the course of history for the better.

Dr. Harris showered Premier Vance Amory with adulation for his “temperament and wise counsel that he so effortlessly demonstrates” and lauded Amory’s leadership as testament to the confidence Nevisians have shown in him. The popular and well loved Dr. Harris ended by reminding all in the sound of his voice that the way forward lies with the people. He encouraged citizens to move ahead boldly and seize this moment to change the course of history for the better.

Premier Vance Amory stood in front of the historic courthouse, filled with an abundance of emotions no doubt. Amory declared that the public signing of the Treaty of National Unity is a step forward in replacing the government that has for too long oppressed the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. He expressed his confidence that the signing ceremony would result in sweeping change for the future of the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Whatever may have been the issues of the past, we are determined that we shall put those differences of the past behind because only the future we can consecrate. Tonight’s signing is about consecrating the future and about creating a better relationship between the people of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Premier Amory.

Premier Amory remarked that the hearts and hands of the people of the federation would be joined for one purpose; “to make St. Kitts and Nevis a better place.” Most importantly, Amory praised the agreement ceremony as a beacon of hope for young people to rise up and play their part in the direction of the country.

“The power to make the change is in the hands of the people.” declared Premier Vance Amory.

Chairman of the evenings’s proceedings Mr. Colin Tyrell introduced the dynamic Team Unity candidates from Constituency 1 to 11 to the extremely enthusiastic and fired up audience. The curtains came down on the  symbolic signing ceremony giving way to an exciting rally nearby.

The upbeat and entertaining rally featured all the candidates vying for an electoral seat in the February 16, 2015 federal elections.

The festivities ended just before midnight.

The signing of the Treaty Of National Unity in Charlestown, Nevis on January 31, 2015 is now etched in the annals of history. Generations to come will inherit the benefits of those visionaries from both St. Kitts and Nevis who dared to put “country above self.”