Washington, D.C., April 15, 2026 — Her Excellency Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin accepted the prestigious George Washington Award on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis at the 100th Anniversary Celebration Dinner of the District of Columbia Society of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America, held on April 10, 2026, at the Metropolitan Club in Washington, D.C.The black-tie event marked the centennial of the District of Columbia Society, a constituent body of the Order of Founders and Patriots of America, a national hereditary organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of America’s colonial and Revolutionary generations.
The evening brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomatic representatives, historical institutions, and civic leaders, including ambassadors and senior officials from the Organization of American States (OAS).The 2026 celebration carries added historical significance, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The Society has aligned its centennial with broader “America250” and “Freedom250” commemorative initiatives, which seek to highlight the international and hemispheric dimensions of the American founding.
As part of the commemorative programme, the Society presented the George Washington Award to select foreign dignitaries, recognizing governments that promote and advance the cause of freedom. Saint Kitts and Nevis was among the nations honoured, reflecting its enduring commitment to democratic values and international cooperation.In accepting the award, Ambassador Henry-Martin underscored the deep historical connections between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the United States, particularly through the legacy of Alexander Hamilton, who was born on the island of Nevis.
“As Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis, I am especially proud to reflect on the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton, one of the most remarkable figures in the founding of the United States. Born on the island of Nevis, Hamilton’s journey from the Caribbean to the very center of American public life speaks powerfully to the shared history of our hemisphere,” the Ambassador stated.
She further emphasized the broader significance of Caribbean contributions to the founding era:“Hamilton’s story and his contribution remind us that the story of American independence and nation building was never confined to a single geography, but shaped by people, ideas, and experiences that crossed oceans and connected regions, including the Caribbean.
”The invitation to the Ambassador highlighted the importance of recognizing the Caribbean’s role in shaping the early American republic and noted the Society’s growing collaboration with international partners, including the OAS and diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C., in advancing historically grounded commemorative programming.
The presence of multiple ambassadors and senior international officials at the event underscored the global resonance of the anniversary and the shared commitment to preserving and interpreting the ideals of freedom and nationhood.
The Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Washington, D.C. welcomed the recognition and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural and historical ties with partners across the hemisphere, particularly as the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial in 2026.
