Royalty To Nevis – 1966
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| Queen Elizabeth II |
Forty eight (48) years ago, The
Royal Yacht Britannia steamed into The Charlestown Roadstead. It was February
22, 1966. On board was the youthful Queen Elizabeth II, her husband the Duke of
Edinborough on a royal entourage.
The entire Nevis community was
buzzing with much excitement – indescribable. The shore was lined with people
shoulder to shoulder. The concrete pier was decked with a red carpet waiting
for the queen to disembark from the yacht.
Since the yacht was anchored, about
a thousand five hundred yards from the shore, a boat had to be lowered on which
the queen was to be brought ashore.
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| The Royal Yacht |
YouTube Video of the Launch of The Britannia Above
The moment of truth came – the boat
was lowered. The queen descended. A shout went up. The boat sailed towards the
pier to await a small guard of honour. The queen was on terra firma – Nevis. In
my living memory, it was the largest crowd assembled at Grove Park. A programme
was in place. I will not burden you much more.
I was sixteen (16) years old then and my school sang to serenade the
queen. As a budding poet, I was commissioned by the headmaster of my school
recite one of my creations in honour of the queen’s visit. I did.
The sun was blazing that day as I
can recall, but hardly anyone complained for the heat. Many other schools
rendered items and community groups paid their tribute.
The two hours on Nevis appeared
like an eternity – but it was a mixed emotion of joyful yet sad Nevisians who
saw the Royal Yacht Britannia sail peacefully away. That was a small glimpse of
Royalty to Nevis – 1966
Jefferson John Etkinson Wallace is
a retired Civil Servant of The Federal Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. He
uses his retired years as a freelance writer with over forty (40) years of
experience. He zeroes in on social issues, religious issues and historical
events. As a playwright, poet, musician, he is versatile and available for
public appearances in almost any sphere. He has written over 6 books (novels,
poetry, St. Kitts – Nevis history and more) that are currently in the process
of being published)
To contract Mr. Jefferson Wallace anywhere
around the world for writing services or literary art performances, Call
1-869-665-5349 or email Jefferson@kvklives.com
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