Following a spectacular show of national pride over the Independence weekend, Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet has commended the entire nation, the Independence Planning Committee and all participants in the activities and showcases in observance of Saint Lucia’s 42 nd Anniversary of Independence.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events for nation’s Independence anniversary, were primarily virtual, however, there was widespread participation from communities, creatives, artistes and citizens across the globe.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Saint Lucia, I congratulate and thank Chairperson Honourable Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre and the entire Independence Committee for the hard work in putting the activities together,” said Prime Minister Chastanet. “Going virtual with the events really encouraged persons to take part in online competitions and submit their videos about their communities. I thank all who have participated in the online challenges and competitions. The way we celebrated Independence 42 marks a new dawn for the Annual celebration and reinforces the importance of creative collaboration as we move away from traditional modes of entertainment and expression.”
The Independence 42 Virtual Showcase focused on our history, highlighting communities, panel discussions on development and business, cultural displays, and perhaps the most memorable highlight: our local music.
The Prime Minister noted that the Independence Committee had a full production team of over 1000 persons collaborating: committee members, sub committees, producers, videographers, media houses, artistes, community activists and creative directors.
‘“I am so happy that so many persons got the opportunity to contribute and work for this year’s celebrations,” added the Prime Minister. “I am more so moved by the outstanding talent showcased, especially Playlist 42 and the Gospel Concert. The spirits of Saint Lucians were lifted, here and abroad.”
Entities such as the Ministry of Culture, the Events Company of Saint Lucia (ECSL), the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), the team from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), also played a critical role in supporting communities and producing content. The National Television Network (NTN) also shined this past weekend as the hub for everything Independence.
“Our National Television Network and all the producers really raised the standard. I thank all the staff for their dedication and outstanding commitment to ensuring that the virtual programming went out to the nation in quality and style. NTN has been for the past 11 months key in the Nation’s COVID-19 response, their flexibility and ability to move with the times is commendable,” said Prime Minister Chastanet.
The Prime Minister also said a special thank you to all sponsors: Flow Saint Lucia, Harry Edwards, Digicel and Massy Stores who assisted in making this spectacular showcase. Prime Minister Chastanet congratulated all the winners of the various competitions.