Cuthbert Sebastian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Cuthbert Sebastian
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Cuthbert Sebastian in 2012
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| 2nd Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis | |
| In office 1 January 1996 – 1 January 2013 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Denzil Douglas |
| Preceded by | Clement Arrindell |
| Succeeded by | Edmund Lawrence |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian
22 October 1921 Basseterre, British Leeward Islands |
| Died | 25 March 2017 (aged 95) Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Parents | Joseph Matthew Sebastian Inez Veronica Sebastian (née Hodge) |
| Alma mater | Mount Allison University Dalhousie University Dundee Royal Infirmary |
Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian (born October 22, 1921 – died March 25, 2017) was an important leader from Saint Kitts and Nevis. He served as the second Governor-General of his country from 1996 to 2013. This important role meant he was the representative of the Queen in Saint Kitts and Nevis. For a time, he was the oldest serving head of state in the entire world. He was appointed Governor-General in 1995 and officially started his role on January 1, 1996. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian retired on January 1, 2013.
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Sir Cuthbert Sebastian's Life and Work
Early Life and Education
Cuthbert Sebastian was born on October 22, 1921, in Basseterre, which is the capital city of St. Kitts. His father, Joseph Matthew Sebastian, was also a public servant. He was a member of the Legislative and Executive Councils of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla. His mother was Inez Veronica Sebastian.
Cuthbert Sebastian was very dedicated to his studies. He attended Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, Canada, where he earned a science degree. Later, he went to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There, he studied medicine and became a surgeon in 1958.
A Career in Medicine
Sir Cuthbert Sebastian had a long and impressive career in medicine. He worked in St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla in many different medical roles. He was a pupil teacher, a chemist, a laboratory technician, and a senior dispenser. He also served as a medical superintendent.
He specialized in helping mothers and babies as an obstetrician–gynaecologist. From 1962 to 1966, he received special training in this field at the Dundee Royal Infirmary in Scotland. From 1980 to 1983, he held the important position of Chief Medical Officer for St. Kitts and Nevis.
Service and Honors
Sir Cuthbert Sebastian also served his country in other ways. During World War II, he was a rear gunner in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was also a Captain (Surgeon) in the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force.
He even served as the local doctor for Prince Charles (who is now King Charles III) when he visited St. Kitts in 1973. Prince Charles was there to open the newly restored Prince of Wales Bastion. Sir Cuthbert also helped the Premier of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, during a visit to Buckingham Palace.
Sir Cuthbert Sebastian received many awards and honors for his service.
- In 1969, Queen Elizabeth II made him an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
- In 1996, he was knighted as a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George. This is a very high honor.
- He also became a Knight of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem (KStJ).
- Both Dalhousie University and Mount Allison University gave him honorary doctorates.
- In 2002, he received an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Scotland. This was for his amazing medical career and his service to people.
- In 2005, he was granted his own Coat of Arms.
Later Years and Retirement
On March 3, 2012, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian welcomed the Earl and Countess of Wessex to St. Kitts and Nevis. They were visiting the Caribbean as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Sir Cuthbert Sebastian officially retired as Governor-General on January 1, 2013. There was a special ceremony to mark his retirement, where he gave a speech.
Sir Cuthbert Sebastian passed away at his home in St. Kitts on March 25, 2017. He was 95 years old.
See also
