PM Terrance Drew pays tribute to Fallen War Veterans

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew paid tribute to fallen soldiers of the World Wars during the 2023 Remembrance Day Religious Service and Parade.

The event took place at the Cenotaph of War Memorials in Basseterre on Sunday.  The Remembrance Day Religious Services was organised by the National Church councils in partnership with the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs.

PM Drew recognised the contribution of regional soldiers during the commemoration of the 102nd Anniversary of the Armistice.

Notably, Governor General- Dame Marcella Liburd, Attorney General- Garth Wilkin, Foreign Minister- Denzil Douglas, and Konris Maynard, among others, marked their presence and paid homage and respect to the heroes who martyred during the Great Wars of 1914 to 1918 (World War I) and 1939- 1945 (World War II).

Special delegates, including Michael Lin – Resident Ambassador to the Republic of China- Taiwan, also participated in the ceremony.

Remembrance Day is held every year to acknowledge the services of the soldiers who gave their lives during the Great Wars, i.e., World War I and World War II.

Contrary to previous years, the service was scaled down due to the COVID-19 protocols, and many groups and associations sent their representative body of members to attend the service, which was streamed live on major platforms, including social media by the Television and ZIZ Radio.

Contribution of the Caribbean Soldiers during World Wars

The Caribbean contributed to the British Forces in both fighting and support units. It is estimated that around 5,500 soldiers made the journey to Britain to join the Royal Air Force, and over 300 served as pilots.

Notably, around 100 performed their duties as commissioned officers, and others worked as mechanics, navigators and maintenance staff.

Belize supported with mahogany in World War I, which was used to make propellers for planes, Trinidad’s oil for the Royal Navy and sea island cotton for balloons.