The Beach House restaurant welcomed dignitaries from the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and the U.S. Embassy in Barbados on July 7, 2010. The reception was hosted by the Embassy and sponsored by Christophe Harbour in honor of American “Independence Day”.

The event was attended by several senior Embassy representatives, including Charge d’Affaires D. Brendt Hardt and his wife Saskia, Lt. Col Edward Harvey and Political/Economic Officer D.R. Seckinger. Dignitaries from the Federation included Governor General, His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian along with his Aide de Camp, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Condor, Minister of Public Works Dr. Asim Martin. Several other government and business officials as well as representatives from Christophe Harbour were in attendance.  

Mr. Hardt spoke to the honored guests, outlining the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and The Federation of St Kitts & Nevis. He also reconfirmed the US commitment to expanding its outreach within the region. An indicator of that commitment is the recently announced Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. The Initiative will bring US $45 million in regional security aid for 2010 and another US $79 million in 2011. These dollars will provide training for security forces, boost anti-trafficking efforts, and promote social development, especially in education and employment.

The national anthems of both nations were played, and The Beach House staff did a tremendous job providing 5-star service for the event. Earlier in the day, the Mr. Hardt visited Basseterre High School to meet with the youth and present an EC $50,000 a donation in equipment and supplies to the Community Achievement Project (CAP) and the school. The donation was provided through "A Ganar," a program of the U.S. Agency for International Development that teaches agriculture-based skills and entrepreneurship to students.