Beacon lighted to mark Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee

A beacon was lighted at Government House on Monday, as part of this country’s celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.{{more}}

However, prior to assembling at Government House, Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, accompanied by other government officials, Chairperson of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Committee René Baptiste, members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Girl Guides and Brownies, processed through the Botanic Gardens.

The contingent made short stops, as they were entertained by the Genesis Steel Orchestra, the Avenue Dancers and Grace Peters-Clarke, who recited poems.

Congregating at the entrance of the Government House, the Kingstown Baptist Choir serenaded the group, prior to the final segment of the walk through.

Upon the arrival at Government House, there was a symbolic freeing of six pigeons, representing the six decades of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

This was followed by the lighting of the Diamond Jubilee Beacon by His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne.

A six-gun salute by members of the Special Service Unit was also done.

Impressed by the presentations he witnessed along the way to Government House, Sir Frederick encouraged those gathered not to forget the occasion.

“I would hope that this occasion or the symbolism of the occasion will not be lost on the young people. They will remember the fireworks and the guns which startled all of us.

“But beyond that, I want you to remember how creative Vincentians are and what hidden talents are hidden among us,” Sir Frederick said.

He also thanked the participants for making the event a memorable one.

Following the short presentation, those gathered shouted, “hip hip, hooray, hip hip, hooray, hip hip, hooray,” in honour of Queen Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported on Tuesday that the Queen has described her Diamond Jubilee as “a humbling experience”, saying she had been “touched deeply” by seeing so many people celebrating together.