The National Wear of St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis' Official National Wear reflects the true "Caribbeaness" of its people. A combination of African and European influences which have shaped the history of St. Kitts and Nevis is evident in both the male and female outfits.

Men's Wear
A straw hat trimmed with madras offered protection from the hot day's sun. The short sleeved, v-neck jack shirt trimmed with madras is made from off-white cotton. The design is similar to traditional shirts worn by Africans. The beige cotton, ankle length pant is a reflection of the local fabrics that were commonly used during the colonial period.

Women's Wear
It is customary for African women to wrap their heads for protection. The main dress is off-white cotton, with a corset top and an ankle length, wide flare petticoat bottom. The beige cotton sleeves are short and puffed by using the drawstring. A short lap skirt made from crocus is worn over the main dress to protect it from dirt. The madras "Cane Soda Wrap", which was used to carry soda while fertilizing sugar cane, is draped around the waist. The crocus drawstring bag was a safe way for women to secure their money.


Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Visit to the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy

I had the distinguished pleasure to be invited to the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy in Washington, DC recently. During the visit I sat with embassy officials, received a tour of the Embassy and spoke at length about my platform of Dance Therapy.  Senior Embassy Official Mrs. Kemoy Liburd-Chow was quite warm and welcoming in ensuring that I was well taken care of during my visit.  To top the day off, I was able to meet one of my former Basseterre Junior High School Teacher's in the person of Mrs. Verlyn  Maynard. The support given to me by the Kittitian's and Nevisian's is just so comforting and overwhelming.  It is nice to see them cheering me on and giving me support throughout this entire journey.  It is truly my honor to represent the federation and people of St. Kitts and Nevis and show the world what beauty, intelligence and grace Kittitian's and Nevisian's possess.

Embassy Senior official and former Basseterre Junior High School Teacher Mrs. Verlyn  Maynard

Senior officials Mrs. Kemoy Liburd-Chow and Mrs Verona Greene

Senior officials Mrs. Verona Greene and Mr. Gerald Aranza

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

W.I.S.E Annual Bob Marley Dinner

Carnival in the Caribbean is a very special occasion. It's all about unity, togetherness and "FETE". It was carnival time again at the Drexel University as the West Indian Student Establishment (W.I.S.E) celebrated their annual Bob Marley Dinner under the theme "Carnival".  Every year the W.I.S.E hosts this event, which is their main event annually.  Students, teachers and community leaders are invited to celebrate the occasion through honoring the life and legacy of Bob Marley while also highlighting the unique culture of the Caribbean.

I had the pleasure to host this wonderful event. I wore a red dress in honor of the National Wear Red day along with a carnival head piece which both fit in perfectly with the theme of the event. As the hostess of the event, it was my duty to ensure that the program ran smoothly and that the crowd remained engaged and entertained.  Based on the feedback received throughout and at the end of the program, I am sure that I completed those tasks.

President of W.I.S.E Ashlee Douglas

With Team a few members of Team Jamaica Bickle

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Drexel West Indian Student Establishment (W.I.S.E) Flag Donation

President Ashlee Douglas and I with the St. Kitts and Nevis Flag

In the latter part of 2013 I received an invitation to take part in an event organized by the Drexel West Indian Student Establishment (W.I.S.E).  The organization has been instrumental in improving the social, educational and personal lives of Drexel University's Caribbean students and students interested in the Caribbean culture. By combining the energy, charisma and the devote national pride that instill every islander with the need to belong and the desire to feel accepted in a foreign land, WISE has become the outlet for Caribbean ideas, culture, traditions and beliefs for the Drexel University community.  One of the things that I believe triggers national pride in an individual is that of seeing the flag of your country of birth.

While attending the event with WISE, I noticed that there were several flags of the Caribbean island's that were missing which led to a discussion with the current President, Miss Ashlee Douglas. She mentioned that the group strives to recognize as many Caribbean nations as possible however, due to lack of funding and opportunities to raise funds they were limited in meeting that particular goal.  It is with this in mind that I decided to donate two of the flags that were noticeably missing: St. Kitts and Nevis and the other for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. President Ashlee accepted the flags on behalf of the organization and expressed thanks for the kind donation.

President Ashlee Douglas

President Ashlee Douglas and I with the flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014

Launch of Grenada libraries, Archives and other Heritage Committee Support Group, Inc (Grenlib)"

 

The Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, DC invited me to the launch of a new organization called Grenada libraries, Archives and other Heritage Committee Support Group, Inc (Grenlib). Grenlib is a non-political-party-partisan organization incorporated, formed in the State of Maryland.  The organization seeks to help ensure the reopening, survival and modernization of public libraries throughout the Caribbean State of Grenada (Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique).  The library, which is the main library in the State of Grenada has been closed since 2011 given its struggles which include but are not limited to a lack of trained staff on the island and Natural Disasters – each hurricane season the island and it’s libraries are at great peril. 

The launch took place at the Ulrich Recital Hall, University of Maryland. I am truly happy that a group has come together to bring more awareness and raise funds to combat this issue. Several dignitaries were in attendance including His Excellency, Dr. Angus Friday, Ambassador of Grenada to the US, and Her Excellency, Ms. Jacinth Henry-Martin, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the US.  In addition to the educational and informative speeches, we were delightfully treated to presentations by Her Excellency, Ms. Jacinth Henry-Martin (who is a master poet and author), and father and son duo Eddie and Quincy Bullen on piano.  The launch  was quite a success and I look forward to the reopening of the Grenada library with the assistance of Grenlib. 

In discussion with  Her Excellency, Ms. Jacinth Henry-Martin, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the US

(Left) President of the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, DC Mr. John Mckenzie and His Excellency, Dr. Angus Friday, Ambassador of Grenada to the US 

Father and son duo Eddie and Quincy Bullen on piano

Some of the Grenlib committee members 

Best
Stacey Greene
Miss St. Kitts and Nevis International 2014