The 2026 independence Baton Relay starts kicks off today, Wednesday January 28th, from 9 pm at the James Belgrave court in Marchand in the Capital, Castries.
Castries east are hosts of the opening leg of the 2026 edition of the relay which will feature addresses by the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Representative for Castries East, Philip J. Pierre and Castries Central MP Richard Frederick whose ministerial portfolio of Housing, Local Government and Urban Renewal is charged with the responsibility for planning and executing the much-anticipated event.
The 2026 independence Baton Relay is sanctioned by the national independence committee while The Royal St. Lucia police force {RSLPF}, St. Lucia fire service and NEMO remain key partners with responsibility for safety, traffic management and security. Castries East promises a journey into its rich history of cultural, educational, sporting and creative excellence with prominent persons alive and deceased being celebrated. The baton relay runs from January 28th to February 21st, spanning communities around the island. The February 21st conclusion is scheduled to coincide with the annual independence flag raising ceremony in Gros islet, Soufriere, Vieux Fort and the Derek Walcott Square in Castries.
Details of the date and route for each constituency have been posted on all government social media platforms.
St. Lucia celebrates 47 years of independence this year.