MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT PAY HOMAGE TO THE VICTIMS OF THE 1970 MV CHRISTENA DISASTER

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, August 01, 2024 (SKNIS) – Before the early adjournment of the Thursday, August 01, 2024, sitting of the National Assembly in St. Kitts and Nevis, Members of Parliament (MPs) paid homage to and honoured the memories of those who died in the MV Christena disaster of August 01, 1970.

This year marks the 54th Anniversary of the ill-fated M.V. Christena Disaster that claimed the lives of 233 persons when the ferry sank on a journey from Basseterre to Charlestown.

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, said while it is important that we remember those who perished during that historic ordeal, it is also necessary that we remember those who survived the traumatic experience.  

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew

“We must recognise those who lived and continue to live after surviving the tragedy,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said. “On this side of the [Honourable House], we fully recognise what happened with the Christena tragedy and we join in the remembrance of those who lost their lives, and for those who continue to live as survivors we want to remember them as well.”

Condolences to the families affected by the 1970 disaster were also offered by the Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Four, the Honourable Samal Duggins.

Hon. Samal Duggins

 “It was registered as one of the worst disasters that we’ve seen federally, and we must do well to remember all of those who would have perished and also to ensure that we do all in our powers to never have a repeat of such disasters,” Minister Duggins  said. “To the country, the families and to all who were impacted by that disaster I send my sincerest condolences, my love and my best wishes for strength and well-being.” 

The Honourable Member of Parliament for St. Christopher Three, Konris Maynard, also used the platform of Thursday’s National Assembly to record his sympathies as it relates to the MV Christena disaster.

Hon. Konris Maynard

He said, “Our hearts go out to those family members who still have that lingering trauma and grief associated with the loss of loved ones, and also for us as a nation as we memorialise those lost souls on that tragic August morning. May their souls continue to rest in eternal peace and may we never forget that this happened and that we do everything in our power to never see another incident like this in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Described by many as the single greatest catastrophe to have occurred in St. Kitts and Nevis, the MV Christena sank in the Narrows between the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis after encountering difficulty. Two hundred and thirty-three (233) persons died and 90 survived.

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