Independence Rally held for schools

The Victoria Park came alive on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, as students gathered to pay tribute to their country, in the annual Schools’ Independence Rally.{{more}}

The event, which showcases the talents of youths throughout the island, featured singing, dancing and instrumentals, as well as remarks from representatives of government. The celebration also included an awards ceremony, where National Scholarships were awarded to the top six performers in the 2011 A’Level Examinations.

The soca and calypso art forms were well represented by Reigning Junior Soca Monarch Otis Caine of the St. Vincent Grammar School, who sang ‘Laptop Galore”, while the Reigning Junior Calypso Monarch Kristina Christopher of the Layou Government School entertained the crowd with her selection. Shade Barker of the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown also rendered a Calypso song.

Drumming and steel pan also decorated the afternoon’s programme, with performances by Saeed Bowman, who was also awarded for his remarkable achievements as a young musician.

The CW Prescod Primary School Drummers also entertained the crowd, while the school’s Steel Orchestra also took the stage showcasing their pan playing skills.

Musical Items were also done by the Bethel High School Wind Ensemble and the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown who sang “Horray Independence”, a Vincentian Folk Song, while the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia sang praises to God with a Gospel song. The Sandy Bay Secondary School was also a part of the celebrations, entertaining the crowd with choral speaking.

The keynote address was made by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, while brief remarks were made by Minister of National Mobilization Frederick Stephenson, Chief Education Officer Louanne Gilchrist, and CARICOM Youth Ambassador Tamira Browne, among others.

Delegates in the National Secondary Schools’ Miss Heritage Pageant also made an appearance. Calypsonian Maxwell “Tajo” Francis, who also received an award, also performed.(OS)