EC$100,000 alloted for the staging of National Independence Anniversary events

The government has set aside around EC$100,000 for the staging of national events for St Vincent and the Grenadines’ 45th Independence Anniversary celebrations, including the recently announced night parade.

On Monday, October 14, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Carlos James, along with representatives of the National Independence Committee, chaired a press briefing on the details of the night parade and concert set for 6:00 p.m on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

This will be the second time in the country’s period of independence that a night parade will be hosted- the first time being the 1979 Independence celebration.

Minister James said the 45th anniversary called for the country to “reimagine” the Independence celebration.

“While the morning parade has been a beloved celebration, this year offers the opportunity to bring new life into the event by transitioning the parade into a spectacular evening celebration.”

He also noted that the move away from a day parade will allow for new elements to be incorporated into the event, including multimedia displays, lights, a full cultural concert, and also a fireworks display.

“The proposed shift…comes with several benefits- to enhance the experience for participants and spectators.”

Minister James also said the move will incur additional costs, with the total budget yet to be finalized.

“What we are looking at for the night parade will, of course, have an additional component for expenditure. We are looking to host a number of traditional activities from local creatives, and those persons will also get a stipend. We are still working out what the actual numbers are likely to be. For the entire month of October we will spend just over $100,00 across the country, in relation to the Best Village competition, clean up campaigns, the Jam 45 events, and focusing on the parade as well,” the Culture Minister outlined.

The pre-parade celebrations are expected to kick off at 4:00 p.m and James made a special appeal to transportation service providers to make themselves available so the travelling public can attend the events.

“Let us put on all the public transportation- the minibuses, the taxis, the coastal buses, all of the schools, families and parents, let us all mobilize…to Victoria Park.”

The military parade will begin at 6:00 p.m, after which there will be an address by Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves. Following this will be a number of cultural performances including dance, music from steel orchestras, and an array of traditional Vincentian costumes. The event will conclude with a fireworks display showcasing the national colours- blue, green and gold.