The island celebrated its festival of lights on National Day December 13th, as is customary, but Central Castries display was not the only one on show. The Castries lights parage featured a much-changed format which culminated at the Derek Walcott Square. Meanwhile, the Vieux-Fort Independence Square was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors on Saturday, December 13, where the community held its Festival of Lights and Renewal.
The array of vivid lights lightened up the square, creating quite a spectacle.
Everyone was immersed in the festival as they watched the colorful lights beamed brightly.
The large gathering was treated to musical presentations from local artists, and witnessed the impressive display of lanterns which were judged in the lantern competition
In his welcome remarks, Mayor of Vieux Fort, Wayne Cumberbatch described the season as one to exhibit love, care and kindness.
He urged the gathering to come back to the square and enjoy the ambience that has been created there by the lights.
Member of Parliament for Vieux Fort South, Hon. Danny Butcher, Minister in the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Early Childhood Education, Special Education and Digital Transformation expressed joy at the event.
Butcher, who spoke before the lights were turned on said: “There is a time of darkness and a time of hatred and distress. When the lights are turned on it will usher a new season of love, a season for hope, a season for forgiveness, a season for kindness, and a season for restoration and renewal.”
He added that he wants residents of Vieux Fort South to usher in their minds a very new season for the constituency-one of restoration and renewal and one of pride and integrity.
“I want you to remember the special people among us, I want you to remember the elderly who is living alone, I want you to remember the sick and the shut- in
among us, I want you to remember the disabled child. Christmas will not be the same for them without your intervention,” Butcher said.
He urged them to make a special sacrifice this season, while they celebrate with their family and friends.
Speaking with multiple individuals at the event, they said they enjoyed it immensely.
“I am happy like a birthday. Such an event brings Vieux-Fortians together” a young lady said.\