SAINT LUCIA is still in full Independence mode although Independence Day has passed with a number of activities slated for today and tomorrow, all reflecting the Independence theme “All In, Our Journey, Our Future.”
For instance, tonight is the Prime Minister’s Ball where Joseph Marcel of ‘The Fresh Prince of Belaire’ fame will be the host followed tomorrow by the DASH Independence Colour Run and the spectacular display to be put on by bikers as they embark on their Independence Island Ride.
The Prime Minister’s Ball is an event growing in popularity evident by the thousands of dollars it has been able to raise for worthy causes on island over the past two years.
Tonight’s event will again be held at the William Jefferson Ballroom, Sandals Grande Beach Resort & Spa where Saint Lucians are expected to turn out in large numbers to champion the cause of the chosen charities and to celebrate Independence 40 in grand style.
A number of regional and international Heads of State and dignitaries visiting Saint Lucia to participate in the Independence 40 celebrations are expected to be at the Ball tonight.
Aside from the star power of Joseph Marcell, acclaimed stage and film actor, at the event tonight will be one of the defining talents in Hip-Hop and R&B as well as advertising and marketing, Steve Stoute who is also an author and an entrepreneur.
Stoute will be a guest speaker at the Ball.
Described as “a great symbol of the American success story” Stoute became famous as a record executive, moving on to become an innovator in the field of advertising and marketing.
The Prime Minister’s Independence Ball will feature performances from a number of talented Saint Lucians including the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, Barbara Cadet, Shannon Pinel and Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.
In the past the Ball has benefitted The Saint Lucia School of Ballet, The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Cornerstone House, The Children’s Home at Ciceron and the Upton Garden’s Girls Centre.
Independence drag racing, park and chill barbecues, the latter an extravaganza put on by the Department of Early Childhood Education, are all set for tomorrow.
The action continues on Monday with the parliamentary youth debate and other events not yet scheduled.
All in all, this week was indeed chock-full of events that all culminated yesterday in a spectacular display of talent, artistry, style, patriotism and good fun as Saint Lucians celebrated their fortieth year of Independence.
It was almost non-stop action starting on Thursday with the 6 p.m. cultural extravaganza put on by the Events Company of Saint Lucia at Constitution Park in Castries featuring groups and individuals from around the island. Independence eve saw national colours on display everywhere, from schools and business houses, to vehicles and outfits of all styles as Saint Lucians ‘dressed to kill’ in blue, black, white and yellow flag colours.
A release from the prime minister’s office noted that the public and private sectors were in consultation with the Independence Committee to foster the highest participation and to allow for the cooperation of those who were directly involved in the activities.
The call was for all Saint Lucians to be part of the celebrations and participated they did as was evident with the turn out at the three locations, all in proximity to each other.
From Constitution Park the action moved to the Sab Playing Field for the stage production of ‘The Story of Saint Lucia’. Then it was off to Jeremie Street for a concert featuring calypsonians and soca artistes, another Events Saint Lucia production.
The national flag was hoisted at about midnight at Heroes Park (near the Sans Soucie Bridge) followed by the igniting of the skies with a brilliant display of fireworks.
Yesterday was the annual military parade and special displays by the police and the police band as well as a parade called “Annou We-y” which advanced through the city featuring various floats, characters, groups, organizations and companies.
Needless to say, the spirit of patriotism thrived to the fullest intensity this year and we can’t wait to see what plans are in store for next year!
