Leaders from the St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) and the St Kitts and Nevis Trade & Labour Union gathered on Sunday, May 3, 2026, to honor the fallen heroes of the Labour Movement through a wreath-laying ceremony. This event formed part of the annual Labour Weekend celebrations, highlighting the pivotal roles these figures played in shaping the nation.
Annual Tribute Tradition
The ceremony follows a longstanding tradition where Labour Movement leaders visit the gravesites of key historical figures. Officials emphasize the significance of these tributes, noting that the honorees laid the foundation for St Kitts and Nevis’ development.
Visiting Key Gravesites
The proceedings began at the Dieppe Bay Swanston Memorial Methodist Cemetery, where Deputy Leader Konris Maynard, accompanied by senior leader Dr Denzil Douglas and other SKNLP officials, laid a wreath at the grave of Owen Caines. Caines served as a prominent Trade Unionist and Legislator.
Next, the group proceeded to St. Paul’s Parish Cemetery to honor Charles E. Mills, a former Cabinet Minister and Educator.
At St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery, wreaths were placed for Clarence Fitzroy Bryant, who excelled as a Cabinet Minister, Educator, and Lawyer.
Honors at Springfield Cemetery
The delegation then visited Springfield Cemetery, the resting place of several influential leaders. Among them was Robert L. Bradshaw, the nation’s first National Hero, inaugural Premier, and Trade Unionist. Other figures commemorated there include Lee L. Moore, E. St. John Payne, J. Fidel O’Flaherty, and Joseph F. O’Flaherty Jr.
Additional wreaths were laid for Probyn E. Inniss, Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian, Joseph Nathaniel France, C.A. Paul Southwell, Edmund Wickham Lawrence, and Glen “Ghost” Phillip. Family members, friends, and administration officials joined in paying respects to these trailblazers who advanced the country’s progress.
