St. Lucians beamed with pride as the island celebrated its 47th Anniversary of Independence, marked by a remarkable parade display by the Royal St. Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and related branches.
The pomp and ceremony at the Micoud Playing Field was received by a crowd of participating onlookers and a contingent of local officials and representatives of foreign countries and organisations.
The prompt 10am start on Sunday February 22nd also drew the attention of thousands who witnessed the occasion via the live government broadcast.
The afternoon session which featured an address by the island’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre commenced at 2pm.
The Prime Minister opened his remarks by highlighting that this year’s celebration held “special significance for my administration,” pointing to the resounding mandate handed to him at the December 1st polls. This year’s theme “Douvan Ansamn: Nourishing Our People and Strengthening Our Nation,” is both a call to action and a promise of progress, according to PM Pierre.
At the core of our 47th year of independence, He explained, “is the pursuit of food and nutrition security.” The Prime Minister called once again for the country to relinquished its reliance on imported goods for sustenance and return to the land and the sea with renewed vigour. “Let us recommit to the philosophy, grow what you eat and eat what you grow.”
The Prime Minister also addressed a number of other topics including law and order, the current water situation, vehicular accidents, early childhood education, personal responsibility, health and wellness, ease of doing business and geopolitics. “We are aware and concerned about the geopolitical situation facing our country. Never before have the actions of foreign governments affected our individual lives so negatively. It is a reminder of how integrated our world has become. Unfortunately, we have little control over most of these geopolitical events and, frankly, little chance of influencing them without at least short-term negative responses and possible displacement and sacrifice.”
Before wishing the country happy independence, the Prime Minister called once again for national unity. “The democratic process for selecting a government has concluded. It is now time for us to work together to foster pride in our country. I am optimistic about the future, but not blinded by the realities of climate change, shifts in global geopolitics, and man-made disasters, including environmental degradation and criminal activity. It’s time for unity, sober reflection, and honest analysis of the realities we face as a country and a region.” He went on, “let me reiterate the need to come together as one nation with a common destiny. We need to face the challenges of the future with clarity of purpose and resolve to confront the problems that will confront us. The development of our country is as much the government’s responsibility as it is yours. Let us work together to make Saint Lucia the best place to live and work.”