Staff writer Eunice Nisbett
Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 03, 2012 (SKNIS): Hundreds of nationals braved a few early morning showers and went out to Port Zante to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday March 3.
Governor General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian greeted the Royals and introduced them to Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, who in turn presented members of his Cabinet to the visiting couple. Members of the Nevis Island Administration were also introduced to the Royals.
Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, then inspected a Guard of Honour
SKNIS Photo 1: (left to right) Governor General His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex and Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas
comprising officers from the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
The scene was an impressive one to locals and visitors alike. Students from various schools on island enthusiastically waved St. Kitts and Nevis flags as the Royals greeted them, while residents, and tourists from the two cruise ships in port, flocked to meet the visiting couple.
After the meet and greet, the visiting officials traveled to the Kim Collins Highway to preside over the renaming of the 550 acre St. Kitts National Capitol Park to the Royal Basseterre Valley Park.
SKNIS Photo 3: Prince Edward Greets Locals
The Earl and Countess of Wessex were treated to cultural performances including masquerades, moko jumbies and a rendition of a local calypso composed by Nevisian Calypsonian Sack Cloth and Ashes and titled Elizabeth Regina which is Latin for Queen Elizabeth. Prince Edward told the audience that he and his wife were thrilled to be in St. Kitts and Nevis and noted that they thoroughly enjoyed the cultural entertainment. Prince Edward was especially full of praise for uniformed children from schools in Basseterre who he described as being extremely well behaved and attentive.
The midday was spent at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park where the
SKNIS Photo 2: Prince Edward inspects Guard of Honour
Royals enjoyed lunch. This was followed by a visit to the Children’s Ward at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, the Children’s Home (local orphanage) and Government House.
A State Dinner and fireworks display will end the Royal Visit tonight.
Article from: SKNIS
