GHS parades heritage through city

The streets of Kingstown were abuzz with excitement Tuesday, as the participants in the Girls’ High School Heritage Parade marched through the town, depicting various aspects of this country’s rich cultural heritage.{{more}}

Athletes, musicians, dancers, drummers and some of this country’s national builders, dressed in national colours, marched from the Cruise Ship Berth, along Bay Street and onto Grenville Street, before converging at Heritage Square for a mini-concert.

The sweltering heat did not appear to affect those marching, and some lustily chanted “I am Hairouna, You are Hairouna” while they gyrated to the beat of drums and their own renditions.

The cameras could not get enough of the Mardi Gras costumes, well executed dance pieces and persons displaying some of the activities of yesteryear.

Persons congregated on the sidewalks and at the top of buildings also got the opportunity to get a glimpse of the seven students who will be vying for the crown in the Scotiabank National Secondary Schools’ Miss Heritage Pageant, to be held tomorrow evening at the Victoria Park.

The contestants are: Crystel-Lyn Browne of the Bequia Community High School, Kia May of the Sandy Bay Secondary, Lateefa Noel of the St Vincent Girls’ High School, Mililone Edwards of the West St George Secondary, Nia Grecia of the Intermediate High, Sharikah Rodney of the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and Terreka Nero of the Buccament Bay Secondary School.

Addressing the gathering at Heritage Square, Headmistress of the GHS, Andrea Bowman said as a 102-year-old institution, the GHS has the responsibility to harness, protect and showcase the positive aspects of the heritage of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Bowman lauded the heritage committee for their work in putting together another great event. She also thanked the St Vincent Co-operative Bank Ltd and the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines for sponsoring the parade for the second consecutive year. She noted that their sponsorship goes beyond corporate responsibility.

“It represents love for country and a fundamental valuing of that which makes us Vincentians. The generosity of these indigenous financial institutions and the many businesses who have also contributed, assures us of the continuance of this parade…,” Bowman added.

Sharing brief remarks, Omari France of the Bank of SVG said we must remember and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of those past and present.

Laverne Velox, manager of the St Vincent Co-operative Bank Ltd, said their interest in and sponsorship of the parade is indicative of the importance they place on the event. She added that the event needs to be featured more prominently on the calendar of national events, as are the Carnival and Nine Mornings celebrations.

Velox said it is her hope for next year’s event, that more demonstrations of the traditions that existed long ago be incorporated.

Other remarks came from Gloria Williams, on behalf of the Minister of Culture, Cecil Mckie.

The curtains came down on the show with performances by the Renaissance Dancers, Calypsonian/Soca artiste Shaunelle McKenzie, newly appointed cultural ambassador Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne, among others. (KW)

Go to our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Searchlight1 for more pictures from the Heritage Parade.