Charlestown, Nevis (April 25, 2007)
Premier of Nevis, The Honourable Joseph Parry, was featured prominently at the Nevis Alliance Progressive Society (NAPS) of the British Virgin Islands Fifth Anniversary Gala Recognition Dinner and Dance held at the Moorings Mariner Inn in Tortola, British Virgin Islands on Saturday, 21st April 2007.
To mark this special occasion, four members of the British Virgin Islands community who over the years have contributed significantly to the development of the territory was honoured. The honourees were: Mrs. Enid Pickering- Business, Mrs. Marris Hodge- Wright- Humanitarianism, Mr. Jacob George- Law Enforcement, and Mr. Evermond Rabsatt- Boating.
The huge gathering included keynote speaker, Nevisian Dr. Edward Griffin escorted by his wife Angelica, Governor Hon. David Pearey, Chief Minister Hon. Dr. Orlando D. Smith and Members of Parliament.
President of NAPS, Mr. Theodore C.E Skeete said, “One of the highlights of the evening was a fantastic, well received speech made by Premier Parry.”In a congratulatory message to the honourees of the British Virgin Islands community Premier Parry stated,” I bring you greetings from my government and the people of Nevis and from my family. We have had for many, many years a very good relationship with the British Virgin Islands. Our people have come to your shores to seek employment when there were hardly any employment opportunities in Nevis and you welcomed them. Many of our people have filled positions at nearly all levels in these beautiful islands and as such we in Nevis have benefited, not only from the remittances sent home but from the wisdom and experiences passed back to Nevis by visiting Nevisians and returning nationals. Let me thank you for the welcome and assistance given to our people, many of whom are represented here tonight, and whom have chosen to make the B.V.I their home.”
Mr. Parry highlighted the concept of Nation building during his speech to a reply of loud applause and positive feedback,”Nation building is one of the expressions we use, sometimes lightly. But nation building and the building of these beautiful and economically vibrant British Virgin Islands have not come about because people hoped for it but because persons like the honourees have done more than was expected of them, they have gone beyond the call of duty in their respective positions and conditions and that is why they are being honoured.”
The event was organised by Nevis Alliance Progressive Society. It is an organization fully dedicated to building bridges between Nevisians throughout the world and the British Virgin Islands populace.