BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – NEVER in the history of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis has the Drum Major - who leads the procession of armed and unarmed units during Independence Parades - been younger than 18 years or has been a female, until now.
Gizelle Williams hails from Phillips’ Village and during Saturday’s Ceremonial Parade which marked the Federation’s 26th Independence, she singlehandedly took charge of the Defence Force Band and led it in grace and authority throughout the historic event on the Warner Park Football Field.
Armed with a ceremonial mace and confidence in her ability to effectively execute her task, the 17-year-old stood proudly at the front of the band as it performed old favourites such as the Colonel Bogey March, Blessed Assurance, The Lord’s Prayer and a rousing round of Bun Dem wid d Holy Ghost. The band was positioned at the head of the parade providing music to which both armed and unarmed units marched.
Commentators providing radio listeners with a detailed account of the parade, commented on Williams’ poise, precision and skillful handling of the mace. It was with the aid of this instrument that she issued commands to her band on its timing, song selection and route of march.
Williams’ responsibilities did not end at Warner Park as she had the task of leading all units on display to Camp Springfield, where she was greeted with further commendation.
“This is the first time in our history that we’ve seen a Drum Major coming from the softer sex, and so she deserves a special recognition and applause,” Prime Minister of the Federation Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas expressed during the Toasting Ceremony.
Speaking exclusively with SKNVibes, an unassuming Williams said she was not daunted by her task but rather gleaned from the advice of her fellow band members.
“It was a good experience and I feel it went well. I was not scared. I was confident because of the practices and the support I got from my fellow band members who encouraged me to put my all into it and just go out and do my best.”
The training she underwent since 2006 obviously paid off with her first successful event. Williams said she is looking to next year when she would possibly lead the Defence Force Band in the Ceremonial Parade to mark the 27th Independence of the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis.
