Kennedy Simmonds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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Sir Kennedy Simmonds
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Simmonds in 2020
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| 1st Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis | |
| In office 19 September 1983 – 7 July 1995 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Clement Arrindell |
| Deputy | Michael Oliver Powell Sydney Earl Morris Hugh Heyliger |
| Preceded by | Office Established (Himself as Premier) |
| Succeeded by | Denzil Douglas |
| 4th Premier of Saint Kitts and Nevis | |
| In office 21 February 1980 – 19 September 1983 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor | Probyn Inniss Clement Arrindell |
| Deputy | Michael Oliver Powell |
| Preceded by | Lee Moore |
| Succeeded by | Office Abolished (Himself as Prime Minister) |
| Minister of Finance of Saint Kitts and Nevis | |
| In office 1984 – July 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Llewellyn Caines |
| Succeeded by | Denzil Douglas |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds
12 April 1936 Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Political party | People's Action Movement |
| Education | University of the West Indies |
Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds (born 12 April 1936) is a famous politician from Saint Kitts and Nevis. He made history as the first prime minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis. He served in this important role from 1983 to 1995.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sir Kennedy Simmonds was born in Basseterre, the capital city of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This happened on 12 April 1936. He worked hard in school and later studied to become a physician (a doctor). He graduated from the University of the West Indies in 1962. He married Mary Matthew and they had five children together.
Political Career Highlights
Sir Kennedy Simmonds was a key person in starting the People's Action Movement (PAM) party. This political party helped shape the future of his country.
Leading to Independence
Before Saint Kitts and Nevis became fully independent, Sir Kennedy Simmonds was the Premier. He held this position from 21 February 1980. The country was still under the rule of the United Kingdom at that time.
On 19 September 1983, Saint Kitts and Nevis gained its independence. This meant it became a self-governing nation. Because of his leadership during this time, Sir Kennedy Simmonds became the very first Prime Minister. Many people call him "The Father of the Nation."
Working with Other Leaders
As Prime Minister, Sir Kennedy Simmonds and his party worked with the Nevis Reformation Party. This helped them lead the country effectively. He also had three different deputy prime ministers during his time in office. They were Michael Oliver Powell, Sydney Earl Morris, and Hugh Heyliger.
Special Awards and Honours
Sir Kennedy Simmonds has received many important awards for his service to Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Knight Commander Honour
In 2004, he was given the title of Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George. This is a very high honour from the United Kingdom. It means he can use "Sir" before his name.
National Hero Recognition
In 2015, Sir Kennedy Simmonds became a National Hero of Saint Kitts and Nevis. This is the highest honour a person can receive in his country. He was the first living person to be given this special title.
Other Achievements
In 2021, the University of the West Indies gave him an honorary degree. This was to recognize his achievements and contributions. Sir Kennedy Simmonds also wrote a book about his life. It is called The Making of a National Hero and was published in 2019.
See also
In Spanish: Kennedy Simmonds para niños
