Nevisian Statesman Uhral “Bammin” Swanston to be honored at Appreciation Dinner
(Charlestown, Nevis- Tuesday, February 23, 2016)- President of the Women’s Arm of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), Ms. Monica Tyson will present former Minister of Government, Mr. Uhral Swanston with a Lifetime Achievement award at an Appreciation Dinner to be held in his honor on Saturday, February 27th from 7 pm at the prestigious Nevis Botanical Gardens.
Swanston became a politician almost 45 years ago and emerged as one of the hardworking soldiers to empower Nevisians, in his quest to provide better representation for residents at the Local and Federal level.
In 1980 Uhral Swanston became a member of the historic PAM/NRP Coalition government led by our country’s 5th National Hero Rt Hon. Dr Sir Kennedy A Simmonds, after an election that saw the ouster of the Lee L Moore led St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party. That coalition cabinet also included Dr. Sir Simeon Daniel the federation’s 4TH National Hero.
Uhral swanston as a member of the 1980 PAM-NRP Administration
In 1983, when the Federation attained Independence, Mr. Swanston was appointed Minister of Communications, Works, Public Utilities and Posts in the first Nevis Island Administration. As the island of Nevis was still at its lowest point, Swanston saw this as an opportunity to alleviate the poor predicaments of his people.
Under the leadership of the Sir Kennedy Simmonds led Administration as the Minister of Communications and works Swanston led the infrastructure revolution that took place in Nevis from 1980 to 1989. The paving of roads, electricity efficiency and increased water development became the primary focus of the Mnister Swanston and the PAM/NRP agenda. Swanston did not achieve instant success but Swanston was firm that no longer was his people to feel as though they were living in pre-historic times walking several miles to obtain water. With the encouragement, facilitation and blessing of the Sir Kennedy Simmonds led PAM/NRP Federal government Swanston established plans to build more catchment areas to improve water storage. The pipelines were enhanced to guarantee greater distribution to the villages for much longer periods; and while the funds were almost non-existent he made it happen.
1984 PAM-NRP Adminnistration with Minister of Communications and Works Uhral Swanston (Back Row second from left)
In 2010, at the ceremony for the naming of the stretch of road from Market Shop to the end of Zion Hill in Gingerland which was officially renamed the Uhral St. Clair Swanston Highway. The then Minister of Social Development, Mr. Hensley Daniel said the renaming of the road was in honor of Mr. Swanston and “was an act that was pregnant with significance.” Daniel went on to state that Swanston, “is one of those rear breeds of political servants who have been in opposition and in government, who can truthfully say and prove before God and man ‘my hands are clean’. He came to politics with family, friends and fortitude, he left the same. I am to hope that those who are coming behind him will see and emulate.”
Uhral Swanston pointing to a loved one who died in the Christena Disaster
The well talked about Appreciation Dinner will feature speakers highlighting the many achievements of Mr. Uhral Swanston and a delectable dinner. Tickets can be purchased for EC$125 from Miss Idona Browne or Mrs. Carleen Pemberton who can both be reached via Facebook.
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