St Lucia’s 44th Independence Day: Full Calendar of Activities Announced
by Karen Rollins Jan 31, 2023
St Lucia will celebrate 44 years of independence on 22 February 2023 under the theme ‘Douvan Ansanm: One People. Shaping Our Destiny’.
On Monday 30 January, the government in collaboration with the Independence Standing Committee, held an official media launch to share the calendar of independence activities. A catchy jingle to mark the special occasion was also unveiled.
Some of the main events scheduled include the start of the Independence Baton Relay on 5 February, the National Sports Awards on 18 February, National Colours Day on 20 February, the raising of the flag with fireworks display on 21 February and the National Independence Rally on 22 February.
The Independence Day lecture by Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles, will take place on 23 February at 7.30pm.
Speaking at the launch event, co-chair of the Independence Committee, Ben Emmanuel, called on the entire nation to participate in the celebrations. He added that many of the activities are being decentralised to give every community a chance to take part.
Mr Emmanuel also announced that the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been invited to St Lucia as the guest of honour.
Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, emphasised the need for the whole country to see independence as an opportunity to unite. (Home) He said: “Independence is just going to be one of the ways in which we will show how we love our country, and it will show how our country also loves us.”
Minister for tourism, culture and creative industries, Dr Ernest Hilaire, outlined the importance of the Independence Day theme – ‘Douvan Ansanm: One People. Shaping Our Destiny’ – in terms of sharing St Lucia’s national identity with the world.
Happy 44th Independence Day St Lucia!
For more information on St Lucia’s Independence Day celebrations, follow @758independence on Instagram and Facebook.
