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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, July 31, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — Health-conscious walk enthusiasts, eager to shed off any weight they might have gained when the country was under lockdown, on Saturday July 31 came out in their numbers and joined Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris on the latest edition of Prime Minister’s Monthly Health Walk.

“We had a very good turnout on this first event we are having since lockdown, and I am very impressed by the large number of young people who are here,” said Prime Minister Harris at the end of the walk. “We also had a number of new persons, which shows that it is attracting people.”

The walk participants who had assembled at the Bellevue bus stop, both regular and new ones, were called to order by Peoples Labour Party (PLP) National Chairman Mr Warren Thompson. After a word of prayer by Pastor Melvin James of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, they set off at 5:50 a.m. following the Island Main Road to the Ottley’s hardcourts.

Among repeat participants were members of the Molineux/Cayon Cricket Club (MCCC), who were led by their Manager Mr Steve Saunders and Coach, the legendary cricket player, Mr Noel Guishard. The team, which was acknowledged by Prime Minister Harris for coming out to show their support, also included media practitioner Mr Loshaun Dixon.

“This is about everybody, so we want everybody to come,” said Prime Minister Harris. “I want to thank those who came, and especially members of the Spanish community because the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) is the party for everyone. We are happy that we can attract this wide cross-section.”

Also taking part were some members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services stationed at the Tabernacle Fire Station. Of the top three finishers, who ran the entire course, were Fire Officer Dion Dolphin and Fire Officer Ronaldo Taylor, and a bank employee, Mr Eversley Davis.  

Dr Harris, who is also the Minister of National Security, said of the firefighters who took part in the walk: “We want to thank them for coming because this is about their health and we want everybody, not just in the security forces, to pay attention to exercise, diet, their health and so on so we could all be healthier and contribute to the growth of our country.”

Former resident ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan, His Excellency Tom Lee, was a regular PM’s Monthly Health Walk participant. He was not exactly missed at the walk, as his replacement His Excellency Michael Chau-Horng Lin was at the starting point in company of a contingent from the Taiwanese Technical Mission to St. Kitts and Nevis.

In welcoming the new Ambassador, Prime Minister Harris thanked him for continuing with what his predecessor had started.

Two Permanent Secretaries who are regular participants, Mr William Vincent Hodge of Education, and Dr Delores Stapleton-Harris were also acknowledged by Prime Minister Harris. Thanking Dr Stapleton-Harris for saying that the monthly health walk fits in nicely with activities of SKN Moves, the Honourable Prime Minister said he was sure that a good number of people will give support to the SKN Moves Health Walk that will be held on Saturday August 7.

Prime Minister’s Monthly Health Walk, which is held under the umbrella of SKN Moves, is organised by the Peoples Labour Party (PLP). Prime Minister Harris, who is the party’s National Political Leader, thanked members of the PLP Executive who helped in organising the walk, and also took part.

They included the Deputy National Political Leader, who is also the Minister of Health et al, the Hon Akilah Byron-Nisbett; PLP Senator who is also the Deputy Speaker, the Hon Dr Bernicia Nisbett; National Chairman, Mr Warren Thompson; National Secretary, Ms Myrtilla Williams; National Treasurer, Mr Rawle Mars; National Party Organiser, Mr Alexis Nisbett; and National Women’s Arm Representative, Mrs Sonia Henry.

Others included Deputy National Secretary, Ms Desire Huggins; Deputy National Treasurer, Mrs Patrice Ofre; and Senior National PLP Officer, Ms Trevlyn Stapleton. Representation at the constituency level, included Chairman of Constituency Number Seven Executive Branch, Mr Lenworth Harris; Vice Chairman of Constituency Number Five Executive Branch, Ms Marsha Lewis; and Constituency Number Five Executive Branch Women’s Representative Ms Janice Lewis.  

“We have persons here from Sandy Point, and we want to thank Ms Marsha Lewis and her team for always being present – we would always count on Number Five to be present,” said Dr Harris. “Speaking about them I want to express condolences to Mr Glenville Mills, our chairman in Number Five on the passing, I gather of his sister, and to let him and his family know that our thoughts are with them at this moment of bereavement.”

All constituencies were represented at the walk, but Prime Minister Harris singled out Constituency Number Six for mention, saying that it continues to be very responsive and that it delighted him. He observed that Number Six is a seat the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) intends to win when the next elections are held.

Said the Honourable Prime Minister: “I want to especially let the young people from Number Six know that the Peoples Labour Party is their home, and they are welcome to be part of it.”