Tweet

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, September 26, 2020 (MMS-SKN) — An early morning downpour in the north-eastern parts of St. Kitts shortly before the start of Prime Minister’s Monthly Health Walk from Bellevue to Ottley’s on Saturday September 26 did not deter health-conscious walk enthusiasts who had assembled at the starting point from as early as 5:30 am.

Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris hailed the wide representation from the SKN Moves, and singled out Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Delores Stapleton-Harris who not only participated, but was among the top finishers. He also hailed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mr William Vincent Hodge who also participated.

“When we had the anniversary celebrations for SKN Moves, it was said that every activity that groups were having they would want them to become branded to be associated with the SKN Moves because SKN Moves then becomes the broad umbrella under which the country organises its physical activity response to the whole issue of non-communicable diseases,” said Prime Minister Harris at the end of the walk in Ottley’s.

Joining Prime Minister Harris for the walk included Deputy Speaker Senator the Hon Dr Bernicia Nisbett, Ambassador His Excellency Ian Patches Liburd, Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan His Excellency Tom Lee, and Mrs Lee, and veteran medical practitioner Dr Leroy Richardson.

Others included President of Constituency Number Seven Domino League National Executive Mr Calvin Farrell, and the National and Branch leadership and membership of the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) led by National Chairman Mr Warren Thompson.

Before the participants set off, Health Permanent Secretary Dr Delores Stapleton-Harris recommended that they engage in some warm-up exercises which were dutifully conducted by Mr Warren Thompson. After a word of prayer, participants took off at 6:07 am.

“The health walk here is the longest and most consistent group organisation of a regular physical effort,” said Dr Harris, who is also the Area Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Seven. “I am delighted that it continues to bring new people, draw increasing interest and as you see if you were to compare this month’s walk with the one last month, this was far more successful in my view in terms of the turnout, but certainly in terms of the broad cross-section of representation that we have here – so I am very happy about that.”

Ambassador His Excellency Ian Patches Liburd who was accompanied by a group from Constituency Number One (East Basseterre) said he brought the group with him to show their support for the Prime Minister’s Health Walk, and in the process derive some physical enhancement and bring people together.    

“The important message we want to send is togetherness once we all come together,” said Ambassador Liburd. “The country wanted that and we gave the country that, so we just need to enhance it. Enhance it not only for our own benefit but the benefit of our generations to come, because it is important especially in times like these unpredictable times – unprecedented times – each one has to help the other.”

He concluded: “Showing support, demonstrating support publicly is something we have to demonstrate and let the younger ones emulate, because togetherness is key.”