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Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 22, 2016 (SKNIS): Seven outstanding nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis were formally conferred with the Independence 2015 Awards for their contribution to the development of the Federation at an investiture ceremony held by His Excellency the Governor-General Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at Government House.

The Companion Star of Merit (CSM) was awarded to the following persons: Mr. Washington Archibald for his contribution to education; Mr. Richard Llewellyn Caines J.P., for his contribution to business and politics; and Ms. Marjorie Morton, for her contribution to public service.

Four nationals were the recipients of the Medal of Honour (MH): Mrs. Sylvia Garnette was honoured for her contribution to Nursing; Mr. Ivan Hanley Sr. was awarded for his contribution to Policing; Mr. James Hanley (the third), was honoured for his contribution to Sports and Community Development; and Mr. Theodore Luther Hobson was bestowed for his contribution to law.

The awards were presented by His Excellency Sir S.W. Tapley Seaton.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, described the awardees as unsung heroes and heroines and congratulated them on their achievements.

“It is useful that the country always in gratitude, remember those of its illustrious sons and daughters and so I commend all those who have organized for this event to take place,” he said. “And interestingly as we look across this smorgasbord of endeavours in which these persons have been engaged: health, civil service, business, sports, education, you could name almost every area of community endeavour, and where we have been able to find excellent people to propose for long, outstanding and meritorious service.”

The Prime Minister reflected on the awardees’ contributions to national development and noted that each is deserving of high honour and high support of the country.

“I believe that there are two words that equally we could add as a descriptor to their work and contribution,” said the prime minister, while adding that such words include discipline and passion. “Discipline has been part of their way of life and I would want to commend that virtue of discipline to all who are engaged in nation building, but more importantly as it were, recommend the inculcation of the virtue of discipline, especially to our young people.”

The honorees were awarded in keeping with the National Honours Act #19 of 96. The National Honours Act provides for the Star of Merit, the Medal of Honour and the Order of National Hero to be awarded to any citizen of St. Christopher and Nevis who renders distinguished and outstanding service to the nation.

Present at the ceremony were the Honourable Vance Amory, Premier of Nevis and Senior Minister in the Federal Parliament, the Honourable Eugene Hamilton, the Honourable Wendy Phipps, other Senior Government Officials, Michael Morton, the Governor General’s Deputy, and other invited guests.