National Youth Rally celebrates vibrant culture of St Kitts and Nevis, promotes patriotism

The National Youth Rally witnessed the Nevisian students visit St Kitts’ onboard Islander Water sports vessels to join counterparts from St. Kitts on 13th September 2024. This inaugural Independence Youth Rally displayed the vibrancy of the youth of the nation, marking the celebration of the 41st anniversary of St. Kitts and Nevis’s Independence.

The event began with a march, commenced from Port Zante to the Warner Park Cricket Stadium with the primary and secondary school students donning the national colours of green, yellow, black, white and red.

From folklore performances to dancing and singing, all the students, attending the youth rally were offered a plethora of experiences. They commemorated the pre-activities for celebrating Independence by showcasing the utmost pride and love for the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.

The students also made several presentations during the rally that encourages the students to avoid negative habits of substance abuse. Their rallying call was to “put it out before it puts you out.”

While shedding light on the rally, the Minister of State responsible for Youth Empowerment, Isalean Phillip stated that the main objective behind this celebration is to unite the youth together in honour of independence.

She noted that this unity and brotherhood among the citizens of the island nation reinforces the true meaning of patriotism and the value of being civic-minded.

She also stressed on the essence captured in the national anthem which depicts the celebration of the natives of St Kitts and Nevis, being hardworking streamlined by their hospitality. The Minister has thus encouraged the students to take pride of the nation along with its national anthem.

Moreover, the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew also utilized this opportunity where he officially made the announcement of launching the groundbreaking Achieving Success through Personal Investment, Resources, and Education (ASPIRE) programme.

Under this programme, the citizens of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis ageing 5 to 18 will receive a government contribution of EC $1,000. This contribution will be made to both the nationals and also to those who are holding a citizenship by descent.

This amount of EC$1000 will be split into two components as half of it will be deposited into a savings account at St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank. Meanwhile, the other half of EC$500 will be invested in shares of local, government-owned entities.

Prime Minister Terrance Drew stated that this innovative approach undertaken by the government will play a huge role in fostering both savings habits and investment knowledge among young individuals.

He added that this habit would later result in helping them build wealth from a very early age.

Notably, St Kitts and Nevis will celebrate its 41st year of Independence of St Kitts and Nevis on 19th September 2024 under the theme “Together, a People, Proud and Strong: Independence 41.”

This theme aims to celebrate the collective achievements of the nation and to continue to building a future which is filled with hope and togetherness.