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Independence Celebrations Launched: Interest in national dress and unity

Joy Browne, former Principal of the Girls’ High School and President of the SVG Union of Teachers, is encouraging Vincentians to foster a sense of national pride, especially through what they wear.

She made the call as she outlined plans by the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Calliaqua at the launch of the 32nd Anniversary of Independence Programme of activities at the National Trust compound Carnegie Building last Monday. Browne is spearheading a Committee from the St. Paul’s Anglican Church which is joining the Independence Committee in the month of activities to observe the landmark.

As part of this year’s 32nd anniversary of Independence, the St. Paul’s Anglican Church will host a Fiesta/Family Fun day at Calliaqua this Independence Day, October 27, 2011, on the grounds of the Church. That event is expected to get going from 11 am.

That will give persons enough time to freshen up after the Military Parade at Victoria Park earlier that morning.

Browne is urging patrons to the Fiesta/Family Fun Day to wear national colours. There will be prizes for the youngsters whose versions of the national dress show the most creativity. She appealed to young designers to use the occasion to highlight their skills towards establishing a national dress.

Pan for Independence

Browne was among delegates from organistions who are contributing to the staging of the Independence Anniversary programme. Among others is the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM).
The YPM climaxes a month-long programme of mini-concerts throughout the state with a Grand Concert at Heritage Square, Sunday October 30. All the Bands taking part in the mini concerts will be involved in the Grand Concert.

The mini concerts opened at Mesopotamia and Sandy Bay last Sunday with two bands at each venue.

The YPM package continues with events at Vermont and Spring Village this Sunday October 9, and in Union Island Saturday 15 and Layou Sunday 16. Sunday October 23, the vibes swing to Biabou and Park Hill.

The YPM will not be the only entity providing Pan recitals during the celebration. The Pan Against Crime initiative, spearheaded by units of the local constabulary, will bring all the bands that have evolved under its auspices to a Pan Concert at Heritage Square Friday October 28. And the In de Pan Dance activity organized by the Potential Steel Orchestra is scheduled for Calliaqua, Independence day.

Health and Education

Aspects of health and education are integral to this year’s activities, and the local Medical Association is ensuring that youngsters get a chance to look at career opportunities, with the staging of a College and Career Exhibition at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall, October 12 and 13.

The Medical Association is driving home the importance of health with a Pink Sale Day on October 7, in Kingstown. That will be a build up to Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Cap City Walk, Friday October 14.

The Education segment will see the Lions Club South/LIME Secondary School Public Speaking final Thursday October 20. Early Childhood Education Department will also make presentations from October 17 to 26.

The Caribbean Regional Secondary Schools Quiz comes off at the University of the West Indies Open Campus Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20.

Schools will observe internal Independence Activities Wednesday 26, during the morning, and a Rally at Victoria Park that afternoon.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines became an independent country on October 27, 1979.

Minister Wants Unity

Frederick Stephenson, this country’s Culture Minister, wants unity among Churches here.
His appeal came as he addressed the launch of a month-long (October) programme of activities to mark the 32nd anniversary of independence.

In delivering his address in keeping with the anniversary theme of ‘Working together to transform the nation’, Stephenson told his audience last Monday at the National Trust Headquarters, Kingstown that there must be “common ground if we are to succeed in transforming the nation.”

Finding support from the words of Kenneth ‘Skakes’ Alleyne’s 1979 Independence calypso ‘Our nation is born’, Stephenson stressed the need for all working together, and urged citizens to “turn the other cheek.”

Stephenson pointed to collaboration by opposing political parties on the Bill dealing with the issue of Trafficking of Humans. He highlighted the harmony as a symbol, and indicated that it pointed towards greater nationhood.

Kenneth ‘Skakes’ Alleyne with his ‘Our Nation is Born’, , Gerald ‘Rasum’ Shallow doing ‘Perseverance’ and students of the C. W. Prescod Primary School rendering ‘SVG I love You’, provided a segment of entertainment at the launch.

Source of article:
The Vincentian
by: William 'Kojah' Anthony
07/10/2011
www.thevincentian.com