Throngs of school children from across the country had their chance to celebrate the 31st anniversary of this country’s Independence at the Ministry of Education’s Annual Schools’ Independence Rally.{{more}}

The rally took place at the Victoria Park on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, and was held under this year’s independence theme “Every hand, come build our land”.

Giving welcoming remarks, Minister of Education Girlyn Miguel emphasized that there is no hand that is too tiny to contribute to the development of the country. Stating that thirty-one years of independence is a long period for a small developing nation, Miguel added that each hand is necessary to build the nation as the tiny hands of today may be the hands of lawyers, doctors, electricians of the future.

Remarks were also made by president of the National Youth Council Altasha Anderson, Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Twyla Thompson, Minister of Culture René Baptiste and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

The speakers all congratulated the students who were awarded for their academic excellence and encouraged those gathered to remain proud of their country and do what they can to assist in its development.

President of the NYC Anderson challenged the youth to play a direct part in the development of the nation, urging them to learn about their history and to use the technology around them to make themselves aware of national issues.

Performers at the event included Steel Pan renditions by Dr. JP Eustace Memorial Secondary; singing of folk songs by the Kingstown Preparatory School choir; the rendition of the National Anthem by violin by Jason Patterson, a student of the Central Leeward Secondary School, and dances by the CW Prescod Primary School dancers.

A contingent of dancers from the Brazilian Dance Company also entertained the gathering with singing and dancing. The team danced the Capoeira, an indigenous Afro-Brazilian dance similar to the martial arts. The dance moves include fighting movements like kicks, sweeps, punches and elbow strikes.(OS)