PRIME Minister Philip J Pierre (and staff in his office) received a wonderful surprise yesterday when Mon Repos La Rose Group showed up for the ultimate celebration – a celebration of the iconic La Rose Festival.
Though the visit was pre-planned and wasn’t intended to be a surprise at all, it played out perfectly.
Music, song, and dance captured all in attendance and individuals erupted in cheers when the prime minister first appeared. Opening with “Vive La Rose!’, (a chant that was quite spirited), Pierre quickly fell in line, dancing and singing songs of ‘La Woz’ as he went along.
“I didn’t realize that I would’ve had a visit. As I said to them, my grandmother was born on the 30th of August and her name is actually Rose so I’m very pleased. I hope (that) I did not make them ashamed with my dancing,” Pierre said good-humouredly, urging Saint Lucians to “enjoy the culture.”
“I really want to wish them all the best. The 30th of August is the Feast of St. Rose (of) Lima so I want all Saint Lucians to enjoy the culture (because) that’s what make us Saint Lucian: our culture, our heritage our patrimony (and) our history. The flower festivals are part of that history,” Pierre added.