Kenneth Kaunda Visits Bequia

Son Mitchell visited many countries when he was the Prime Minister of St. Vincent, and one of them was Zambia.  At that time, the African country was led by its very first President, Kenneth Kaunda, and he welcomed our Prime Minister with open arms.  Mr. Mitchell enjoyed his stay in Africa, and before leaving he invited President Kaunda to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

I knew very little about Kenneth Kaunda. I learned that he had founded the Zambian African National Congress, and later became the head of the United National Independence Party.  Known throughout his country as “KK”, he became its President in 1964 and remained in power for many years.  Now that I have access to more information about Mr. Kaunda I can’t say I admire the way he led his country, but in 1989 his State Visit was a very big deal to the people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines!

Mr. Mitchell asked me to organize a welcoming committee for the Zambian President’s visit, and along with my tourist Committee I helped plan the occasion.  Nancy Boake was put in charge of forming a Flotilla to escort the coast guard boat carrying the dignitaries across the Bequia Channel.  A red carpet was rolled out on the jetty, which we decorated with potted palms and crotons.  Speeches would be held under the Almond Tree, then several vehicles would carry the entourage around the Island. 

The Coast Guard boat (I think it must have been the George McIntosh) arrived on time, led by Nancy’s colorful flotilla.  Yachts with flags snapping in the stiff breeze flanked the Coast Guard vessel as it rounded Devil’s Table, and several speed boats participated as well. It was all quite festive, and Son Mitchell looked proud as the boat eased alongside the jetty.  The crowd cheered as President Kauda stepped ashore with his entourage, not many knew who or what he WAS, but a State Visit was a State Visit!

The Island tour went smoothly, with a stop in Paget Farm close to where the Island’s airport would be for more speeches. I recall the day was very hot, and those of us who had dressed up for the occasion suffered as we stood in the broiling sun!  I was glad when the speeches came to an end, a cold drink and lunch was next on the agenda and I was more than ready for both.

Pat Mitchell had organized the luncheon, which was held in the new Gingerbread complex on the waterfront at Belmont.  The restaurant was nicely decorated with flowers, and the menu was suitable for a visiting head of state.  President Kaunda was seated with Prime Minster Mitchell at a table on the stage, and this is where he presented Son with an intricately carved wooden chest from Africa.  Those of us invited to the luncheon were introduced to the Zambian President, and as I shook his hand my mind passed on the day I had met the Queen of England not far from where we stood.  Who would have guessed that I, living on the tiny Island of Bequia, would have the opportunity to shake hands with an African President and an English Queen!?

President Kaunda was toppled from power in 1990 after ruling Zambia for 26 years, but in one respect his legacy remains. Known to wear a safari jacket paired with trousers, a safari suit is still commonly referred to as a Kaunda suit throughout sub-Saharan Africa!  As I write this story Kenneth Kaunda is still alive and living in Zambia at the age of 95.