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INDEPENDENCE 40 — Media Talking Points – February 11- February 15

• MINDOO Phillip Monument-

Saturday February 9, 2019 saw the official handover ceremony of the Mindoo Phillip Monument. The monument which is housed at the Mindoo Phillip Park, named after the late sportsman, was officially handed over to the Castries Constituency Council. The handing over of the keys to the monument to the Mayor of Castries, Mr. Peterson Francis, was done by Mr. Dunstan duBoulay who spearheaded the project. Attending the ceremony were members of Mindoo Phillip’s family, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet, Opposition leader Phillip J. Pierre and President of the WIC Cameron Browne as well as other cricket and sports officials.

• Police Tattoo

The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Royal Saint Lucia Police band are definitely all in for Independence 40.

On Friday February 8, the police band staged a wonderful military tatoo (drill display) in Soufriere followed by a mini parade in the town. The activity was repeated on Sunday February 10, this time in Vieux Fort. This Wednesday February 13, it will be the turn of La Resource, Dennery while Gros Islet’s turn is on Friday February 15. All drills begin at 5:30 pm.

Don’t forget to join the RSLPF and the police band for the annual Independence military parade on February 22 from 9 am at the Saab (Vigie, playing field, Castries).

• Song Competition

More than forty entries were received for the National Song Competition for independence 40. The judges are presently deliberating, to choose a winner and a second and third place. The winners will be announced this week and persons can visit the Independence website at www.independence.slu to listen to the songs, which will also be made available to all radio stations.

• Pli Bel Kai Komesyal

A number of business houses have already joined in the celebration for Independence 40. Many have decorated their commercial houses and stores, using our national colors of black white, yellow and blue, national emblems as well as the number 40.

The Independence 40 Committee in January launched a “Pli Bel Kai Komesyal” (Most beautiful commercial house) competition in time for Independence. There are attractive prizes to be won and for more information persons and business houses can visit www.independence.lc

• Mr. Independence

On Saturday February 9, 2019, the first Mr. Independence Pageant was held here at the National Cultural Center. The show featured eight young men representing various communities under the theme “Embracing Diversity – the Key to Unity.” Each helped to make the event a very special and successful one.

Jamieson Edward, representing Castries South-East was crowned Mr. Independence on the night. First runner up was Deshawn Augustin (Vieux Fort) and Treasure Actille (Castries North).

• Ms. Independence

This year 10 contestants representing various communities will participate in the Miss Independence Pageant.

They are Tunisia President representing Micoud, Kamani Alphonse – Gros Islet, KeahniHippolyte – Castries/South East, Keara Leon – Babonneau, Trish Placide – Laborie, KershelBousquet – Castries/East, TimiquaBursharnDeterville – Dennery/North, Jenny Joseph – Castries Central, Sancia Charlemagne – Soufriere and TunishaLansiquot – Anse la Raye/Canaries.

The event will take place Friday February 15 from 8 pm at the National Cultural Center. Contestants will make four appearances – ambassadorial speech, talent, swimwear and evening wear.

Come support the young talented and beautiful young ladies as they represent their communities and country with pride.

The reigning Ms. Independence is Kurnisha Augustus from Dennery.

• Strides of Unity

This Sunday February 17, come support the National Youth Council as they stage one of their activities for Independence 40.

“Strides of Unity” as it is called, is an island-wide baton relay which starts at the Governor General’s Residence from 7 am. A specially designed baton will then make its way down the West Coast to the south of the island and then up the east coast.

Strides of Unity will feature runners, walkers, cyclists, motorcyclist, skateboarders and music trucks along the routes. The round the island journey will also be making a statement against various social ills and will feature youth groups, parliamentarians, sportsmen and women, local personalities and more.

• Ecumenical Service

Join us as we pray for the nation on Sunday February 17, with five ecumenical services at different locations in Saint Lucia.

In the North it will be at the SDA church in Gros Islet, South the Victorine Pentecostal Church in Vieux Fort, The East – Faith Pentecostal Church in Micoud, West – The Catholic Church in Anse la Raye and Castries (Central) – The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Parliamentarians, the Governor General and various dignitaries have been invited to these services, which are open to the general public as we pray for our independent nation.

The organizers of the faith based program recognize the theme for Independence 40 – “All in, Our Journey, Our Future”, but have come up with a sub theme. “It is our nation, our journey, come thus far by faith.”

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