Independence 41: We Did It Again, Together!

Issue 43 | 29 Feb, 2020

INDEPENDENCE 41: We Did it Again, Together!

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Independence 41: We did it again, Together!

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he Saint Lucia Independence Committee will, today, host the official launch of Saint Lucia’s 41st nniversary of Independence.

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t the launch, the Hon. Minister for Culture and Creative Gospel Extravaganza! ndustries will deliver remarks, while the Hon. Senate resident and Chairperson of the Independence planning ommittee will make an introduction.

ubcommittee members will provide an overview of lanned events and activities, while various groups and vent coordinators will be in attendance to highlight heir initiatives. The theme, logo, calendar of events and ngle in celebration of Saint Lucia’s 41st Anniversary of ndependence will also be presented.

Independence Parade 2020

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he launch of 41st Independence Anniversary elebrations will be held at the studios of the Government nformationPrime Services Minister’s (GIS), at Hewanorra House, Pointe Independence Ball eraphine, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m.

or further information and to confirm attendance please ontact 468.2191 or 468.2167 or email: opmstlucia@ mail.com.

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he spectacular “Best of Saint Lucia Parade” which was taged on Independence Day, February 22, 2020, has eceived high marks from the public and participants. The 03-05 Independence Address arade, which was first introduced as part of Saintby Lucia’s 0th Independence celebrations last year, is now set to Prime Minister The Honourable ecome one of the hallmarks of the annual independence Allen M. Chastanet elebrations.

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Gospel Extravaganza!

his year, 51 contingents participated in the parade. hey include sports and cultural groups, communities, 07 councils, Youth in Actiondepartments for own and village Government nd agencies as well as business houses.

Some of the Independence 41 ontingents featured beautiful floats, while others ortrayed their theme using national colours, costumery 08 Order of Saint Lucia Awardees r the colours and branding of what they were Announced epresenting.

he parade09 showcased various aspects of Saint Best of Saint Lucia on Lucian Parade fe, our history, our culture, our music, tourism, export roducts, commerce and so much more.Independence 14 Calypso Legacy Hundreds aligned the Edition streets from the John Compton 2020!

Highway in Castries, into the city center, as the parade raversed the city circuit. A number of Government 15 Fireworks and Concert Ring in Ministers joined their respective contingents, including Independence Day he Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet.

Several notable aint Lucian figures and celebrities were also a part of the 16 Prime Minister’s Independence Ball rand spectacle.

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Sports Awards

eading the parade was the very entertaining Royal Saint ucia Police Band followed by a visiting group of Saint ucians who are serving in the British Army.

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n January 15, 2020 the official launch of activities for Saint Lucia’s 41 Independence Anniversary celebrations took place at the NTN studios. Hon. Jeanine Giraudy Mc Intyre unveiled the theme “Now is the time, let’s do this together.” ”I really want to call on citizens to participate in the many varied activities. Not just artistes, musicians and crafters, but many others who can benefit from the economic spinoffs,” she said. Hon. Jeanine Giraudy Mc Intyre went on to point out that the theme was a call to action for Saint Lucians from all walks of life and from every community to be on board.

Also speaking at the launch was the Minister of Creative Industries and Culture, Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose. “This year’s celebration comes at a time when there is heightened national pride and positive news and success stories with our citizens winning many regional and international awards and accolades in sports, entrepreneurship, youth development and culture,” the Minister said.

“This year we turn 41 and so to build on the theme of “all in” of last year we now call our nation to action under the theme “Now is the time, let’s do this together”. We all are mobilized and ready for action. We must now move and do so together to attain the heights that we want ourselves and our country to achieve”.

These stirring words along with the call to action by our young people of this country, as well as activities and events that spoke to and excited the masses really did inspire Saint Lucians at home and abroad, resulting in another successful Independence celebration.

In this issue of Our Saint Lucia we capture some of the exhilarating highlights.

Editor, Toni Nicholas

Independence Address by Prime Minister The Honourable Allen M. Chastanet on the Occasion of Saint Lucia’s 41st Anniversary of Independence, 22nd February 2020

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wish all Saint Lucians everywhere a Happy Independence Day and trust that as many as possible will join in the celebrations.

We have now completed our first four decades as an independent country. It has been another milestone along the journey but it is also a fitting point to see how far we have come.

The collapse of the West Indies Federation in 1962 spurred the movement towards independence in the Caribbean, and former British colonies began their respective quests for self-determination.

Like several other countries before and after, Saint Lucia felt that the time had come when it had to take full control of its destiny and with Sir John Compton, a champion of Saint Lucian nationalism at the helm, we took the giant step in February of 1979. From then on the responsibility to build our country fell on our shoulders. If we faltered, we would have no one to blame but ourselves.

At the time, with 12 years under our belt as a self-governing Associated State, the feeling was that we had successfully laid the basis for this final step.

In the 41 years since we have built a democracy. It has not always been perfect, just as no nation and no system is perfect but it provided the foundation on which to build a dynamic country.

We have expanded air and sea ports and institutions of learning and generally laid down all the necessary infrastructure on which to build a small and prosperous country.

No longer is our economy tied to or dependent on an agricultural monocrop. We have diversified into tourism, manufacturing and financial services. We can never lose sight of the contribution that the banana industry made to Saint Lucia, especially in the 1970s and 1980s when alone, it created the greatest social and economic revolution in our history.

We have braved many a disaster, natural or man-made, economic or political, short-term or long-term but we have survived and came back stronger.

The resolve and resilience of our country and our people are assets that give us the assurance that when the tough gets going, we have the capacity to come together with common purpose to take on whatever challenge confronts us.

I refer here to Hurricane Allen in 1980, the very first year of our independence; the three year political upheaval, again immediately after our independence, Tropical Storm Debby in 1994 that caused more damage than many a hurricane; the world financial crisis of 2008 described as the worst since the great depression. And who can forget the devastation caused

by Hurricane Tomas in 2010 and the Christmas Eve trough of 2013.

No longer are essential services - water, electricity, telephones - confined to the major towns, leaving thousands of our people behind in the race for social progress.

We have built roads and bridges to join one community to the other and opened up vast areas of idle land for development, with housing projects, luxurious hotels, industrial estates, health and community centres, sports facilities and recreational parks.

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PRIME MINISTER’S ADDRESS CONTINUED More recently, we came from a situation of consecutive years of no economic growth, with all our indicators trending downwards: record debt and unemployment levels, drying up of investment and an environment of despair and desperation.

When I addressed you at the beginning of the year, I indicated to you the areas where we had been able to record good progress, especially in lowering unemployment levels, reducing the debt to GDP ratio, easing the economic burden and improving our infrastructure.

Tourism arrivals are now at record levels, and the prospects for agriculture and the manufacturing sector are extremely good. In our efforts to further diversify the economy, we have strengthened the IT sector and introduced the Headquarters Act to facilitate companies setting up headquarter operations in Saint Lucia.

Our people must play a part in building a nation we can all be proud of - now not later.

As I have said before, Saint Lucia it is our time but we must work together to shake the habits that continue to stifle our country.

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Should we continue to drive as recklessly as we do? Look how many people, especially young people, have been killed in traffic accidents in the last five years, many of them talented boys and girls, some victims of recklessness and crass stupidity. Figures for serious traffic accidents are on the increase, causing mayhem and grief for families and friends of the victims.

How many people were killed because of personal differences and the inability to resolve conflicts peacefully?

We have to develop the capacity to forgive and walk away.

Why are our young people choosing the path to gangs? The path to a life of crime and ultimately death?

The government has had the task of putting Saint Lucia back on track with its development. There is still a lot to be done.

This has to STOP.

Overcoming the hurdles so far proves that our people possess the character, the fortitude, indeed the wisdom to rise above adversity.

The pictures of young Brandt Jean publicly and in open court in Dallas, Texas, hugging and forgiving a policewoman who had shot and killed his brother, sent a powerful message of love and

However, we must continue to recognize the things that keep us back, the attitudes and modes of behaviour which hurt us and we must eliminate them, once and for all.

forgiveness to the entire world. But how many will follow his example?

We need to apply equal effort to the development of values as we do to fiscal policy and infrastructure. I am speaking here about love and respect for each other and for our country, respect for authority and the laws of our country, tolerance, honesty and discipline.

The theme for this year’s 41st Independence anniversary was well chosen: “Now is the time; let’s do this together”. It follows last year’s rallying theme for us to get all in.

As an independent nation, we have responsibilities. While outside countries and institutions would give us a helping hand, in the final analysis the task of developing Saint Lucia, is ours.

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There are other dangerous habits which harm our country; like cheating on taxes, failure to collect taxes and dues owed to the government, whether it’s in our hospitals, Customs department or the Police Department. It cannot be right when 95 percent of the traffic tickets issued by our police remain unpaid.

More and more the social problems confronting our country have their genesis in practices and habits that start small. We ignore them in our homes, in our schools, in our communities and the reality is it comes back to haunt us all.

When will it stop, unless we put a stop to it?

Saint Lucia, the advent of social media has given us a great communication tool, but instead we use it to hurt each other, spread gossip and sometimes even malign our own country without considering the consequences.

It is time to change such habits. It is time that we together identify the simple ways in which we can all pull up our socks and do our part to make Saint Lucia a better place. This is what togetherness means.

This is a call to action; a call to develop a change in attitudes. Let us collectively take stock and recommit ourselves to Saint Lucia, to take control of our own destiny.

The words of our national anthem were well chosen, in its call to all Saint Lucians to “love the land that gave us birth.” This is one of the basic requirements of true patriotism.

It was a perspective of his physical and life struggles in relation to the struggles of winning a Super Bowl, with the ultimate lesson that, “Life is not fair, it doesn’t care about feeling sorry for yourself or self-pity . . . The only disability in life is a bad attitude . . . A positive attitude is the most positive combatant to life’s misfortunes.”

There is no better time, entering into this new decade, for us to develop a positive attitude. To say from now on that this is our time, we must do this together.

If we profess to be truly great, let us demonstrate this every single day in how we treat our island and how we treat each other.

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The words of our National Pledge also speak of the principle of nationalism, as we proclaim to serve our country “with pride and dignity and to defend it with vigour and valour in the pursuit of excellence, justice and equality for all.” The fact is that these ideals require discipline and commitment.

We have many examples of individuals who have embraced these ideals and committed themselves to achieving success: Our Nobel Laureates, Daren Sammy, Levern Spencer, Julien Alfred, Kimani Melius; the list of outstanding Saint Lucians continues.

They made no excuses and kept their eye on the goal of excellence, no matter their background or circumstances, no matter how many times they were told no, it could not be done.

They ignored the critics and naysayers, they fought their own perceived limitations and pressed on. That’s what winners do!

I am reminded here of a beautiful message by a college student Matthew Jeffers, who wrote a letter to the Baltimore Ravens, his favourite NFL team, entitled “A Reason To Win.”

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Together, let us support the positive development of our young people, attend their games, listen to their music, encourage them and volunteer our time.

Together let us keep Saint Lucia clean

Together let us keep Fair Helen safe Together let us keep Saint Lucia strong Together, let us celebrate our heroes and cherish each other’s success

Today, we stand at the dawn of an exciting phase in the development of our country that holds much promise.

Our aim in the long run is to empower all of our people, to offer them equal opportunities to realize their potential.

The gains that we make will be multiplied ten-fold if we move together as one nation, united in a common purpose, loving and respecting one another, with tolerance and understanding of each other, committed to excellence, as we continue the task of building a new Saint Lucia.

We cannot succeed unless we do this collectively, together.

Not some of us, not most of us, but all of us! Now is the time!

Happy Independence and May God continue to bless you all and Bless our island Saint Lucia. Thank you.

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Independence 41 Celebrations Kicks Off With Gospel Extravaganza!

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night of praise and worship ushered in the grand celebrations for the observance of Saint Lucia’s 41st Independence Anniversary. The event was held on February 1 at the National Cultural Centre under the theme “Now is the time, let’s praise, reflect, love and give thanks.

The Gospel Extravaganza featured singers, choirs, musicians, dancers and groups from around the island coming together to celebrate in a glorious and joyful way.

Murals For Independence 41

Canaries Mural One artiste contribution to Saint Lucia’s 41st Independence Anniversary Celebrations was four beautiful murals.

Majestic: Official Independence Song!

Teddyson John

Vieux Fort Mural Naja Simeon and his Sakey Productions committed to painting the murals, leading up to Independence Day in the communities of Canaries, Vieux Fort, Micoud and Castries. The murals all captured the theme “Now is the time, let’s do this together.”

The official Independence song for 2020 was called Majestic.

The song and accompanying music video features Saint Lucia’s brand ambassador Teddyson John on lead vocals. The song was written by Saveion Moncherry and pays tribute to Saint Lucia and its people, incorporating the Independence theme “Now is the time, Let’s Do This Together.”

The song was produced by Danyl Daniel while the music video was directed by Presh Productions.

Saveon

Castries Mural Naja Simeon is from Saltibus and specializes in portrait paintings but also has a passion for the abstract and surrealism combined with impressions.

Micoud Mural

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YOUTH IN ACTION for INDEPENDENCE 41

Ministers Welcome Youth Parliamentarians at Cabinet

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outh parliament is an annual acitivity here in Saint Lucia. A product of the National Youth Council, it is one of the many ways in which the young people of Saint Lucia participate in Independence activities.

This year ahead of the sitting, Youth Parliamentarians joined Cabinet of Ministers at their regular Cabinet meeting on Monday February 17, 2020. The Ministers got a chance to meet their junior portfolio holders, ask questions, give advice and discuss various aspects of governance.

The 17 Youth Parliamentarians, Junior Speaker of the House and Clerk of Parliament were gearing up for the first sitting of the National Youth Parliament on Tuesday 18th February 2020.

Shyne Savoury, 15, who is the youngest among the selected for the debate expressed how forums like these are important and provides an opportunity to make a valid contribution to decision making.

“This opportunity was really beneficial to us because we were able to hear from the actual parliamentarians who do this as their profession, we got to hear about

their experiences and the proceedings. It was beneficial to us because we were able to internalise it and see the importance of what we have been training to do.”

the island on pertinent issues affecting Saint Lucia.

This year the event was held on Sunday February 9, 2020.

The Youth Parliamentarians will serve a tenure of one year where they will be expected to engage in training, youth advocacy and community outreach.

Shavonne Bryan, who will serve as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance went on to give details about the papers being laid at the House on Tuesday of this week.

The motion that was tabled in parliament dealt with education reform focusing on technical and vocational training and the abolishment of the Common Entrance Exam.

The Youth Parliamentarians got a chance to meet with Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet and the Cabinet of Ministers also wished the young people the best of luck. At the end of the session, the Ministers gave each Youth Parliamentarian a token of appreciation in the form of a Saint Lucian Flag Pin.

As was the case last year, Strides of Unity started with the presenting of the baton by the Governor General Sir Neville Cenac at Government House on Morne Fortune. From there the baton made its way around the island being passed on from community to community by various groups.

The Saint Lucia National Youth Parliament theme was “New Faces of Democracy.”

Photo: Youth parliamentarians meet with cabinet

Strides of Unity 2020 Last year saw the inaugural Strides of Unity event as part of Independence activities here in Saint Lucia. The event which falls under the National Youth Council is held to sensitize persons around

Partaking in the Strides of Unity were youth groups, community groups, bikers, skaters, walkers and runners. Among them were several youth leaders and parliamentarians.

Strides of Unity traversed the West Coast to the south of the island, up the east coast and ended in Gros Islet.

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Order of Saint Lucia Awardees Announced

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n Saturday February 22, 2020 during the Independence Uniformed Groups parade His Excellency the Governor-General as Chancellor of the Order of Saint Lucia made the appointments to the Order of Saint Lucia in respect of Independence Day. The Order of Saint Lucia is a Society of Honour, for the purpose of giving recognition to citizens of Saint Lucia and other persons for achievement, for acts of bravery or for meritorious service.

The Order is granted in the following Grades: Grand Cross, Saint Lucia Cross, Medal of Honour in classes Gold and Silver, Medal of Merit in classes Gold and Silver, Les Pitons Medal in classes of Gold, Silver & Bronze, National Service Cross and National Service Medal.

The appointments are as follows: The Saint Lucia Cross (SLC) Dr. Jonathan Romel Daniel For distinguished service in the field of Medicine and National Development Mr. Joseph Anthony Francis Compton For distinguished service in the field of National Development Mr. Philip McDermott (Honorary) For distinguished service in the field of Philanthropy to Saint Lucia The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (Gold) Mr. Motielall Singh

For eminent service rendered in the field of Youth Development and Voluntary Service Mr. Simon Descartes For eminent service rendered in the field of Community Development The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (GOLD) SLMM Mr. Laurent Jean Pierre For long and meritorious service in the field of Anthropology and Botany Mr. Edison St. Aubyn Joseph Guard For long and meritorious service in the field of Music Mrs. Joyce Louisa Glace Destang For long and meritorious service in the field of Entrepreneurship The Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Silver) SLMM Ms. Anna Zilma Poleon For long and meritorious service in the field of Education, Youth and Community Development Mrs. Angela Christine Samuel For long and meritorious service in the field of Arts (Creative and Theatre) and Fashion Mr. Athanasius La Borde (posthumously) For long and meritorious service in the field of Creative Arts The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Gold) SLPM Mrs. Lucille Joseph

For eminent service rendered in the field of Education (Science) Mr. Peter Josie

For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Culture and Community Development Mrs. Lucille Fontenelle

For eminent service rendered in the field of Economics, Agriculture and Youth Development Mr. Irving Cuthbert John

For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of National Development Mr. Charles Popo

For eminent service rendered in the field of Community Development The Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (Silver) Ms. Tember Cadette

For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Culture and Music The Saint Lucia Les Pitons Medal (Silver) SLPM

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Mr. Benedict George Jn Baptiste For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Religion Ms. Chrystal Mandy Charles For having performed long and meritorious service in the field of Youth Development National Service Cross Mr. Dorian O’Brian For rendering loyal and devoted service beneficial to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Government and People of Saint Lucia National Service Medal Mr. John Finely Leonce For outstanding and meritorious service to the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Government and People of Saint Lucia

THE PUBLIC SERVICE LONG SERVICE AWARD His Excellency the Governor-General has been pleased to award the Public Services Long Service Medal in respect of Independence Day, 2020 to the following persons: St. Lucia Public Service Mr. Hubert Frederick George James St. Lucia Teaching Service Mrs. Fatiana Charley-Nelson Mrs. Arlette Anna Cenac Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Superintendent, Anastasius Mason Inspector, Jane Norbert Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (Ports Police) Inspector, Michael Placide Coporal, Venecia Crichlow Saint Lucia Fire & Emergency Services Station Officer, David Nelson Retired Station Officer, Aloysius Christophe Harrison Bailey Saint Lucia Prison Service (Bordelais Correctional Facility) Jim Anderson Williams Cecil Jn. Baptiste

Best of Saint Lucia on Parade

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he spectacular “Best of Saint Lucia Parade” which was staged on Independence Day, February 22, 2020, has received high marks from the public and participants. The parade, which was first introduced as part of Saint Lucia’s 40th Independence celebrations last year, is now set to become one of the hallmarks of the annual independence celebrations.

This year, 51 contingents participated in the parade. They included sports and cultural groups, communities, town and village councils, Government departments and agencies as well as business houses.

The parade showcased various aspects of Saint Lucian life, our history, our culture, our music, tourism, export products, commerce and so much more.

Hundreds aligned the streets from the John Compton Highway in Castries, into the city center, as the parade traversed the city circuit. A number of Government Ministers joined their respective contingents, including the Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet. Several notable Saint Lucian figures and celebrities were also a part of the grand spectacle.

Leading the parade was the very entertaining Royal Saint Lucia Police Band followed by a visiting group of Saint Lucians who are serving in the British Army.

According to the Honourable Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre, Chair of the Independence Committee, “We are pleased with the turnout for this Event.

There was eager participation by the public and the magnificent displays by the various contingents were well researched, well-crafted and informative and, most of all, beautiful.

Ministry, while Vieux Fort South captured Best Portrayal by a Constituency and Most Original and Creative Design.

The People’s Choice Award was decided through an online platform allowing Saint Lucians at home and around the world to be a part of the festivities. A panel of judges judged the rest of the competition.

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The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) captured the award for Best Portrayal by a

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MOST INSPIRING CONTINGENT: CASTRIES EAST MOST ORIGINAL AND CREATIVE DESIGN: VIEUX FORT SOUTH BEST REPRESENTATION OF THEME: CHOISEUL BEST CONVOY OR FLOAT: OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER LUCIAN PRIDE AWARD: BANK OF SAINT LUCIA PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD: DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE BEST NATIONAL AWARD: HELEN FOLK DANCERS

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Best of Saint Lucia on Parade Vieux Fort’s winning float

Queens of Choiseul

Award winning Swimming Association Celebrating Heros Past and Present from Castries East

Full regalia for Saint Lucia

Hon. Jeanine Giraudy Mc Intyre and Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet enjoying the parade Taiwan delegation joins the Ministry of Education

PS. Michelle Charles and Minister of Education Gale Rigobert PM Chastanet and OPM crew

Masqueraders galore

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De Invader among the local entertainers

Fluttering stiltwalkers

National wear, national pride

Helen Folk Dancers

British Soldiers with Looshan roots

Choiseul crafters on display Mr. and Miss Independence participants

Craft vendor

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Mr. and Miss Independence 2020

Miss Laborie Akia Chiquot

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he Mr. Independence Pageant was introduced in 2019 as part of Independence Celebrations for the first time. The event returned this year and was held at the National Cultural Centre on Friday February 7.

The pageant featured 8 contestants; Michael McLauren - Mr. Castries South, Daniel Joseph - Mr. Babonneau, Donnel Clery - Mr. Laborie, Joshua JnBaptiste - Mr. Micoud, Kihan Rock - Mr. Castries North and Rohan Jn Baptiste - Mr. Castries East.

In the end Michael Mc Lauren representing Castries South walked away with the crown.

The 1st Runner-up: Mr. Daniel Joseph, Babonneau 2nd Runner-up: Mr. Joshua JnBaptiste, Micoud.

On Saturday February 15 it was the turn of the ladies for the annual Miss Independence Pageant. Nine, representing various districts participated in this year’s pageant. They were Ashelle Evans - Miss Anse La Raye, Roche’ St Cyr - Miss Canaries, Necoll Herrelle – Miss Soufriere, Dermisha Theodore – Miss Choiseul, Akia Chiquot – Miss Laborie, Agnita Paul – Miss Micoud, Nadege Mc Lauren – Miss Castries South, Candise Jean – Miss Castries Central and Elodore Octave – Miss Gros Islet.

The contestants made four appearances – ambassadorial speech, talent, swimwear and evening wear.

In the end Miss Laborie, Akia Chiquot was crowned the 2020 Miss Independence. 1st runner up was Miss Canaries Roche’ St. Cyr, Nadege McLauren – Miss Castries South 2nd runner up and Dermisha Theodore – Miss Choiseul 3rd Runner up.

Mr. Michael Mc Lauren

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The nine beautiful contestants at the Miss Independence pageant

Pageant host and hostess

First, second and third runners up

Carnival queen Wenia Verneuil and Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

Carnival queen and Mr. Independence with Queen of Gros Islet and Caribbean Talented Teen Kersandra Edwards

Miss Independence 2019 Sancia Charlemagne passes on the mantle to the new queen

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Calypso Legacy Independence Edition 2020!

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t was once again a night of pure nostaligia and as De Ashanti so aptly put it “Bojour and Malaway” came together for a wonderful celebration of the Calypso art-form. Calypso Legacy once again helped to start off the Independence celebrations in grand style with Calypso fans, aficianados and the likes singing and dancing the night away, as the performers took them down memory lane.

Alpha had the crowd partying

The event was held on Saturday February 8, 2020, at the National Cultural Centre with the biggest names in Looshan Kaiso delivering their classics, amidst one of the most electrifying atmospheres in Saint Lucian entertainment.

Ras Iley was on fire

De Ashanti and Invader opened the night doing an acoustic medley of their past hits, accompanied by Martin James on guitar.

They would both return to the stage to entertain again, Invader with his more uptempo hits as well as Ashanti doing Juicy Lucy. Herb Black with a voice like fine gold and Educator were also enjoyable and for the first time in years a former Soufriere King Almon, took to the stage and received an encore for his “Police Boy Blue” song.

The night also featured a sterling performance by Lady Leen who celebrates 30 years in Calypso this year. She was also honoured on the night by the organizers and presented with several gifts.

The packed National Cultural Center could not get enough of former soca monarch Alpha, doing his hits like “Dong de road,” and “Freedom” Alpha had the crowd on their feet and left them wanting more in the end.

Calypso Legacy also featured Explainer of Trinidad as well as Ras Iley who had the crowd in a really good party mood. The show ended with the people’s king De Ashanti giving fans a wonderful Kaiso send off for the night.

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Minister Fortuna Belrose makes presentation to Lady Leen The People’s King Ashanti

Herb Black working the audience

Fireworks and Concert Ring in Independence Day

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t 11:59pm on Friday February 21, a huge national flag of Saint Lucia was hoisted at the Castries waterfront as it fluttered to the tune of the Saint Lucia National Anthem. At the stroke of midnight a burst of fireworks lit up the city skies in honour of the island attaining yet another year as an independent nation.

But the celebrations had started much earlier, weeks ago to be precise. However on that night the celebrations reached fever pitch with a concert on Jn. Baptiste Street featuring Saint Lucian Calypsonians and Soca artistes. Thousands turned up for the concert which got underway around 8pm and continued until 2 am following the fireworks.

The performers on the night included De Ashanti, Invader, Lady Leen, Arthur Allain, Ricky T, Subance, Alpha and Teddyson John.

Lady Leen

Michael Robinson

Keytinna

Ricardo

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Prime Minister’s Independence Ball A Night in the Rainforest

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t was another night of enchantment, celebration and goodwill, when hundreds turned out for the annual Prime Minister’s Independence Ball on Saturday February 22, 2020. The event was held at the Grand Pavilion on the Ramp in Rodney Bay from 7 pm with the theme “A night in the rainforest.”

The annual ball which was started in 2017 as a fundraiser for various charities has since benefitted more than fifteen local charities, having raised in excess of …..

In 2019 tickets and donations to the Ball raised almost half a million dollars.

The keynote speaker for this year’s Prime Minister’s Independence Ball was Us based Gordon “Commissioner” Williams with multiple Grammy Awards and numerous Gold and Platinum albums to his name.

Commissioner who has Saint Lucian roots was recently named a Goodwill Ambassador to Saint Lucia. He vowed Saturday to establish a recording studio here and to assist in the promoting and marketing of Saint Lucian artists and music overseas.

A joke among friends

Other speakers on the night included Hon. Sarah Flood Beaubrun, Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose and Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet.

Showcasing Saint Lucia’s traditional dances

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Dressed for the occasion in national colours

Hon. Allen Chastanet speaking at ball

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet and his wife Racquel An award for Cricketer Kimani Melius

Minister of Culture and Creative Industries Fortuna Belrose

Presenting a token to Commissioner Gordon

Dressed for the ball and marquee

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National Sports Awards

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very year, since 1980, (one year after Saint Lucia attained independence from Great Britain), the Ministry of Sports have hosted the annual Sports Awards.

This year was no different. On Saturday February 15, 2020, the night belonged to the island’s sportsmen and women who were celebrated by their peers and government officials at the gala affair.

Several awards and recognitions were bestowed on deserving sports personalities on the night.

Here is a full list of awards and recognitions• • • • • • •

Minister’s Award – Gregor Philgence Club of the Year - Lightning Aquatics Swim Club Association of the Year - St. Lucia Aquatics Federation Junior Sportswoman - Mikaili Charlemagne (Swimming) Junior Sportsman - Kimani Melius (Cricket) Sportswoman - Levern Donaline Spencer (Athletics) Sportsman- Albert Reynolds (Athletics)

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Julien Alfred - Athletics Qiana Joseph - Cricket Makaili Abege Charlemagne Swimming Kimani Melius – Cricket Jayhan Odlum-Smith - Swimming D’Andre Calderon - Table Tennis

Shortlisted Athletes - Senior Nominees • • • • •

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Johnson Charles – Cricket Vino Barcelette – Football Levern Donaline Spencer – Athletics Shem Maxwell – Netball Karim Sifflet – Karate

Lifetime Achievement Award Denis St Clair

Administrators • • • • • • • • • •

Marlene Emmanuel- Basketball Claudius Roger Butcher - Rugby Paula James - Swimming Coaches Conrad Fredricks - Boxing Emmanuel Bellas - Football Shem Maxwell - Netball Brian Charles – Swimming Chris Wells – Table Tennis Terry Verdant – Volleyball

Technical Officials • • •

Dora Henry - Athletics Dr. Diane Worell - Swimming Chantel John – Rugby

2019 Winning Teams •

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Shortlisted athletes - Junior Nominees • • •

Megan Dawn William - Tennis Kerin Neptune – Volleyball Albert Reynolds - Athletics

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National Women’s Volleyball Team Won the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Women’s Championship (ECVA) Under 20 National Men Volleyball Team - Won the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Men’s Under 20 Championship.

Rugby 7’s National Female Team The team captured the 5th Annual Monique Ribeaut Rugby 7’s title. This tournament was held in Le Gosier, Guadelope.

Under 15 National Football Team - Saint Lucia U15 National Football team under the stewardship of coach Cassim “Vasso” Louis was crowned champions of the Under 15 CONCACAF Boys Division 2 Football Championship. The victory was over Puerto Rico with a 3 -1 score line.

The Special Olympic Football Team. The Football Team for the Special Olympics World Games Championship held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) captured gold

Special Olympian Alec Quincy Pierre

Posthumous Award Errol Weekes

Independence School Rally

Several district school rallies were held in the week leading up to Independence this year. The activity was changed from one national rally to zonal activities to get more schools and students involved. Independence School rallies were held covering the various schools encompassing each school district.

Guy Joseph

www.facebook.com/guyjoseph February 24 Supporting an evening of charity and patriotism with my phenomenal wife at the Prime Minister’s Independence Ball

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

www.facebook.com/galerigobert758 Feb. 18 Happy to be participating in the 5th Meeting of the OECS Council of Ministers for Education which is being held under the theme “Equity and Access”.

Ezechiel Joseph

www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758 February 11 Taiwan Technical Mission establishes first hoop greenhouse demonstration plot on the island. The Taiwan Technical Mission was able to to set up its first out of fourteen demonstration plots on the island.

Dominic Fedee www.facebook.com/dominicfedee Feb 19/ Yesterday afternoon, marked the official commencement of Hospitality and Tourism training for the second group of 50 students from the constituency of Anse la Raye/Canaries. These young people will be trained in the areas of Front Office Management, Events Management, Food & Beverage, Bartending and as Room Attendants.

Allen Chastanet

www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet | www.twitter. com/allenmchastanet

Herod Stanislas

www.facebook.com/herodstanislas

Edmund Estephane

Fortuna Belrose

www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

Sarah Flood Beaubrun

www.facebook.com/heremenegild.francis

www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758 www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758

Bradly Felix

Hermangill Francis

Lenard “Spider” Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute

www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758

Mary Isaac

www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu

Stephenson King

www.facebook.com/stephensonking

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