During the sitting of the National Assembly in St. Kitts and Nevis, the Members of Parliament paid homage to and honoured the memories of the ones that lost their lives on August 01, 1970 in the MV Christena disaster.
Before the adjournment of the parliamentary session on August 01, 2024, all the members, in memory of the 233 deceased who sank during their journey, paid respect to them.
It is to be noted that 2024 marks as the 54th Anniversary of the unfortunate disaster of M.V. Christena. This day, 233 lives ended when the ferry sank on a journey from Basseterre to Charlestown.
Remembering the people who died, and the ones who survived, Prime Minister Dr. Terraance Drew stated that it is important to remember those who left during that historic ordeal; it is also essential that we remember those who survived that traumatic experience.
He stated that, the country must recognise those who have survived the tragedy and living after it. PM Drew further added that “the House recognizes what happened that day with the Christena tragedy, and everyone joins in the to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, and for those who continue to live as survivors, we want to remember them as well.”
Additionally, Samal Duggins, Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Four, also offered condolences to the families that were affected by the disaster of 1970.
It was one of the worst disasters that the island nation has witnessed and remember the ones that left and further we should ensure with all the power we have that such disasters should never be repeated on the country, Minister Duggins stated.
He further expressed his condolences, love and best wishes to the country, the families and to all who were impacted by the disaster and he wishes for their strength and well-being.
Member of Parliament for St. Christopher 3, Konris Maynard also used the platform to record his sympathies as it relates to the MV Christena disaster. He said that morning the nation lost several souls and he wishes that they rest in peace and wishes that such incidents never happen again in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Everyone who knows about the incident describes it as the greatest catastrophe that occurred on the land of St. Kitts and Nevis. The MV Christena sank in the narrows between the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis after facing difficulty and resulting in the death of Two hundred and thirty-three people and 90 survived.
Members on the Government benches, including Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, present MP for St. Christopher 4, Samal Duggins, Marsha Henderson, and Konris Maynard, offered their condolences and glowing tributes for Glenn ‘Ghost’ Phillip’s contribution to the nation as a minister, a past national basketball player and as a strong sports advocate.
