Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Flower Show a great success

The flower show and tea party organized as part of activities to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, has been hailed a success by its organizers.{{more}}

Chairman of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee René Baptiste, told SEARCHLIGHT that the event, which was the third in a series of events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain, exceeded expectations.

Apart from the more than satisfactory attendance over the three days of the event, which began on May 4, Chairperson of the flower show and tea party committee, Flora Gunn said that the response has been overwhelming.

“It was so well attended that everybody went over the moon with it. They were very, very pleased.”

At Friday’s opening, Gunn pointed out that the committee was proud to present the exhibition to the scores of persons who were expected to visit the display, and partake in the various tea menus over the three days.

“….It’s our intention to proudly assert the beauty of our local foliage and flowers today.”

“Our team of volunteers has worked tirelessly over the last three days, in transforming the Government House into this spectacular feast for the eyes.”

Gunn acknowledged the volunteers, as well as all who had a part to play in the staging of the event; especially the generosity of the many who donated flowers to the committee, which she said underscored the vital community spiritedness of the multi island nation.

Also addressing the gathering was Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, who before declaring the flower show open, indicated he was proud of the job done by the organizers as well as the floral arrangers.

“This of course, represents the collected talents of many Vincentians, and I don’t think any word of praise is sufficient to them, for putting on this magnificent show.”

He also called for greater support from individuals, and business persons in the restorative efforts of the Botanic Gardens.

“The Botanic Gardens is probably our premier national heritage [site]; it gives us more bragging rights than anything else, and the government cannot do it alone, the Jubilee Committee certainly cannot do it alone, but we need the combined efforts of all Vincentians from all political spheres; from all social spheres, especially the business community….”

The centerpiece of the flower show was a replica of a crown of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was built by Anthony and Norman Quashie of the Carnival mas band Imagination. The design was then decorated by a team of florists using only locally grown flowers and plants.

Patrons to the event were not only awed by the beauty and arrangements of the flowers; they were also entertained by poetry, dancing and piano interludes.

The event was not restricted to Government House; celebratory events were held at the Botanic Gardens, which is currently being restored.

Proceeds from the tea party and flower show are to be given to the jubilee restoration project of the Botanic Gardens, which is expected to be completed in 2015.

Meanwhile, head of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee Rene Baptiste hinted that the chance of seeing another such event in the not too distant future is great, given the appreciative response of the patrons to the event, and the enthusiasm displayed by the dozens of volunteers, who freely gave of their time and talent to make it and event to remember.

“Vincentians can look forward to another one as early as before the end of the year. Despite the amount of work and it’s hard work, it is very satisfying work; and I’m very, very pleased with the level of support and commitment we received from all the persons who were involved.”

This sentiment was echoed by Gunn.

“Everybody was happy that they had done it and I suppose they might do it again. Lots of florists came out and put forth their best. I sincerely thank all the volunteers and patrons for attending.”(JJ)