Baptiste announces Independence schedule

Celebrating under the theme of “Our blessed nation. Our people. Our pride”, Minister of Culture and Chairperson of the National Independence Committee René Baptiste presented this year’s schedule of independence activities at a press conference on Tuesday, October 7.{{more}}

Baptiste, who is chairing the committee for the eighth consecutive year said that she is very pleased with the number of requests they have received for events to be included in the schedule. Whilst urging her audience to always be thankful for St. Vincent & the Grenadines independence, she urged Vincentians to be more supportive of local businesses and productions. “We need that edge of patriotism… Let’s dedicate October to the love of country!” she enthused.

This month’s activities include: API Independence Photography Competition – 1st to 24th Oct; National Agricultural and Agro-based Industrial Exhibition – 8th to 12th Oct; Gospel Explosion (Roman Catholic Church) in Heritage Square – 10th Oct; Gospel Dance Showcase and ‘Oh la la’ production on NBC Radio – 11th Oct; Indian Heritage Rally at Argyle – 12th Oct; SVG Medical Association College & Career Exhibition – 15th & 16th Oct; Independence Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving in Heritage Square – 19th Oct; 73rd anniversary of the 1935 Riot, Annual UWI Independence Lecture and Launch of Calypso Handbook – 21st Oct; Lions Club South/Cable & Wireless Annual Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition – 22nd Oct; CFNI regional School Quiz Competition, Schools Internal Independence activities and NCF/EPMU Schools Rally (showcase) – 23rd Oct; Gospel Concert at the Glen Baptist Church, WITCO Desperados Concert at the Rabacca Bridge and Miss Karaoke Cultural Teen pageant at Calliaqua Hard Court – 24th Oct; WITCO Desperados Concert at Calliaqua Playing Field, SVGTV/Ministry of Culture ‘Vincy Pride’ Concert at Arnos Vale and New Life Ministries Annual Concert – 25th Oct; SVG Cool Riderz Motorcross event at Pembroke, NLA Caribbean Cycling Championship and WITCO Desperados Concert at Barrouallie – 26th Oct; Independence Day Parade at Victoria Park, SVG Cool Riderz Island Ride & Parade, NLA Caribbean Cycling Championship and WITCO Desperados concert at Heritage Square – 27th Oct; Heritage Youth Arts Festival at the National Trust Headquarters – 28th to 2nd Nov; Annual Youth Awards Ceremony – 30th Oct; and the Opening of the NCB Theatre Arts Festival – 31st Oct.

Secretary of the National Independence Committee Ashford Wood also gave welcoming remarks. He encouraged Vincentians to start depending more on local resources, especially in the current climate of financial crises, food shortages and high oil prices. “Think locally for Independence,” he appealed.

There was a heart-felt performance by Kenneth “Vibrating Scakes” Alleyne, and various representatives were invited to give brief remarks about their organisation’s scheduled independence activities. (JSV)