BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The display was colourful, entertaining, much-anticipated, but most of all it was patriotic; it was a ceremonial parade, much like others we’ve had in the past but this one, was in commemoration of the Federation’s 28th anniversary of its independence.
Tradition stood her ground earlier today, Independence Day (Sept. 19), when patriotic individuals from across the island converged at Warner Park Football Stadium to witness the parade which featured both armed and unarmed units.
The event is one which some regard as an opportunity for family bonding as parents who would have viewed this brilliant display many times before, would enjoy the display with their children, explaining the intricacies of the commands and movements to their offspring.
Following the arrival of Head of State, His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, Leader of the country, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and respective heads of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) and the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), Commissioner Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn and Colonel Patrick Wallace at the parade, the various platoons were inspected by PM Douglas on behalf of His Excellency.
Units on display were The St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force, St. Kitts Nevis Coast Guard, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the Cadet Corps, the Fire and Rescue Services, the St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority, the Pathfinders, the Boys Brigade, the Shadwell Overcomers as well as a contingent from the Royal Navy’s RFA Wave Ruler.
Considered the “best part” of the parade, the armed units paraded across the field and past His Excellency in slow time, delivering to him the ‘eyes right’, marching to the strains of Handel’s “Scipio”.
The tunes were skilfully played by the St. Kitts Nevis Defence Force Band which took up position at the back of the march, however, on transitioning to the quick march, assumed position at the front of the parade, which was joined by the unarmed units.
Both the armed and unarmed platoons marched to the strains of R. B. Hall’s New Colonial March and King Konris’ Unstoppable Force.
The parade was punctuated with a flypast by the Wave Ruler’s helicopter in honour of St. Kitts and Nevis’s 28th independence.
Again, as tradition would have it, the parade eventually exited the park and made its way to Camp Springfield where His Excellency offered a toast to Her Majesty the Queen, and the toast to the Federation was made by PM Dr. Douglas.
The number five and two guards, the Women platoon of the RSCNPF and the Coast Guard platoon, were named the best on parade of the armed units while the contingent from the Wave Ruler and the Cadet Corps were given similar accolade amongst the unarmed platoons.
Certificates of recognition were also presented by Dr. Douglas to the Pathfinders’ platoon, the largest single contingent on parade and the Shadwell Overcomers for being the most original group on parade.
All who participated in today’s parade or who had a hand in organising it, were congratulated and thanked for a job well done and were wished a pleasant and happy 28th Independence.
