Oct. 28, 2024: Island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis seeks complete sustainability, ambassador tells National Press Club members

Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — What an honor it is to be back in DC and a member of the National Press Club. I recently joined the foreign correspondents committee, which has the privilege of visiting an embassy each month. I was invited to write an article about our trip to the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis for the Club’s publication, The Wire. It will go live next week, but here’s a preview. Scroll down to read the article.

Until next Monday: Cheers to celebrating all cultures, different points of view, and embracing how we all are more alike than we are different. — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us

Inkandescent Women magazine • BeInkandescent Health & Wellness magazine • Inkandescent Radio • Inkandescent.tv • Inkandescent Shop • Inkandescent Books

Welcome to St. Kitts and Nevis here in Washington, DC

The island country of St. Kitts and Nevis has set a goal of becoming entirely sustainable, Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin told more than two dozen members of the National Press Club International Correspondents Committee who attended the group’s latest Embassy Night on Oct. 24.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to tell you about the beauty of our islands and our dream to become the world’s first 100% sustainable island state. If every country had that as a goal, imagine what we could achieve,” Henry-Martin said. “As we celebrate the 41st anniversary of our national independence, we consider the United States of America to be an ally, a partner, and a friend.”

The birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, includes the 69-square mile island of St. Kitts and 36-square-miles of Nevis with a combined population of approximately 55,000.

The island nation’s sustainability vision is borne of necessity because climate change is the biggest threat it is facing, said Shanelle Simmonds, counsellor and alternative representative for St. Kitts and Nevis.

“When a storm strikes, it’s often devastating, causing the country to rebuild continually,” Simmonds said.

On average, six storms make landfall annually from early June to late November — including the most recent, an Aug. 13 hurricane that reached a wind speed of 98 km/h and was 63 kilometers in diameter.

With cups full of the country’s signature Shipwreck rum, Henry-Martin asked Club guests to raise a glass to the future of collaboration.

“This is a night of promotion, networking, and information sharing about adventure, investment opportunities, history, leisure, relaxation, and local flavors,” said Henry-Marin, who has represented her island nation in the United States since July 2023 and is an author, celebrated musician, and former Parliamentary Minister for Culture.

One of the highlights of the evening was a buffet prepared by Chef Alaric Arache, which included a spread of Brimstone Hill Saltfish Balls with aioli sauce, Oualie Oxtail sliders and Banana Bay Crab johnnycakes.

The Embassy Night series connects journalists and communicators with ambassadors, press counselors, and diplomats. Recent events have been held in Australia, Lithuania, Rwanda, the Dominican Republic, and Taiwan embassies.

Club President Emily Wilkins of CNBC presented the Henry-Martin with the official NPC mug to thank her for hosting the event.

Click here to learn more about St. Kitts and Nevis: stkittsnevisla.org