BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – More than one week before the Federation celebrates its 27th anniversary of independence, the general public has been provided with an opportunity to familiarize itself with the calendar of events to commemorate the occasion as well as to make preparations for participation in the planned activities.
To be held under the theme, “Strengthening Families for Positive National Development”, the celebrations begin on Tuesday next (Sept. 14), and will conclude on September 26, and boasts an impressive slate of more than fifteen activities. While most are conventional, Coordinator of the Independence Celebrations, Crios Freeman informs that a number of non-traditional activities have been added to the list.
In keeping with tradition, the annual community awards ceremony would be held, however, Freeman explained that this year, that event has transitioned into family awards. He also spoke of the Prime Minister’s Independence Freedom Concert and its transformation into a more family-friendly event.
“The theme is family oriented…What use to be the community awards, this year would be family awards. They would come from the communities but they would be family oriented”.
“The Prime Minister’s Independence Concert…this year is going to take a different form. Normally we would have regional artistes…on an open playfield. This year, because the theme is family oriented, we have a renowned pianist out of the United States, Ms. Regina Shamvili, who is going to be in concert. This would be at Central Bank with an insistence on families and having families come out at that night to enjoy music.”
The Defence Force Band, for the past years, has provided support for the armed an unarmed units during the Independence Parade and continues to be an integral part of the Independence Day activities. According to Freeman, however, the ensemble would – this year - play a more active role in the celebrations.
“On the 26th, there will be a Defence Force Band recital. Usually we just have the Defence Force Band playing for the Independence Parade but this year, they are going to have a band recital at Brimstone Hill. Brimstone Hill, being one of the world heritage sites and what it is to St. Kitts and the West Indies…We are trying to bring it more into our celebrations of independence activities in opening it more to the general public. So that is why we have running for about three years now, is the run for the fit and fearless to Brimstone Hill as well as, now added, the band recital.”
The final innovation Freeman spoke of involved the Minister’s visits to high schools.
“This year, when Ministers visit the schools, we are going to have a token presentation of the laptops that should be presented to high school students stating with fifth formers, which would come sometime in November. But the sample is going to be given, one to each school, presented to the Principal, most likely by the minister. Usually the ministers just go around for a chat. This year they are going to make that presentation,” Freeman explained.
The official programme of activities reads as follows:
St. Kitts and Nevis
Independence Programme 2010
Theme: "Strengthening Families for Positive National Development"
Activities:
Tuesday, September 14
AM - Minister's Visits to High Schools
8:00PM - Prime Minister's Lecture Series; Old Boy's School Hall; Presenter: Dr. Rydell Blake
Wednesday, September 15
7:30PM - Cultural Gala Night (outside the National Museum), Bay Front
Thursday, September 16
National Heroes Day (Public Holiday)
AM - Announcement of National Awardees
8:00AM - Community Flag-Raising Ceremonies, island-wide
9:00AM - Wreath-laying & Guard of Honour; R. L. Bradshaw Community Park, St. Paul's
5:00PM - 2010 Independence Family Awards Ceremony, Ocean Terrace Inn, Fortlands
Friday, September 17
9:00AM - Schools Patriotic Programme and Treat
Saturday, September 18
10:00AM - Independence Fun Run
8:00PM - Prime Minister's Independence Family Concert Featuring Pianist Ms. Regina Shamvili; ECCB (Free Admission)
Sunday, September 19
Independence Day
National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving
10:00AM - Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela 10K Marathon, Starting at
6:00PM - State Service at the Co-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, East Independence Square Street, Basseterre
Monday, September 20
Independence Day Observed (Public Holiday)
8:00AM - Ceremonial Parade at Warner Park (Cricket Stadium)
8:00AM - Mother's Union Breakfast at the Old Girl's School Hall
7:00PM - Governor-General's Reception
Saturday, September 25
7:30AM - Independence Anniversary Brimstone Hill Run for the Fit & Fearless
Sunday, September 26
5:00PM - St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force Band Recital at Brimstone Hill Fortress (with other featured appearances)
