BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE 29th ANNIVERSARY of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Independence is fast approaching and a long list of exciting events are slated to take place to commemorate the event.
According to Chairman of the Independence Celebrations Committee, Sharon Rattan, the celebrations will run from Wednesday, September 12 to Saturday, September 29, kicking off with a visit by Government Ministers to rural primary schools.
On the evening of the 12th the Independence lecture in the Prime Minister’s Lecture Series will be taking place at the Wesley Methodist Church Hall at 8: 00 p.m.
On the following day, September 13, the Ministers will make their visits to the primary schools in Basseterre.
The following Friday, on the 14th, all school across the Federation will be having their Patriotic Programmes and Independence Treat, while a Public Education Outreach under the guidance of the Department of Probation and Child Protective Services will take place in downtown Basseterre.
The Junior Police Drum Corps along with a Drill Display will be on the Bay Road in Basseterre at 6:30 p.m. with the Cultural Gala Night at 7:30 p.m. outside the National Museum (Old Treasury Building).
The Embassy of Venezuela 10K Marathon will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the 15th.
National Heroes Day (Sept. 16), will be observed as the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving with the National Honours Announcement. The Independence Fun Run will start at 3:00 p.m. and the State Service at the St. George's Anglican Church in Basseterre at 6:00 p.m.
As National Heroes Day falls on a Sunday; the day will be celebrated with a public holiday on the following Monday (Sept. 17) with the Community Flag Raising Ceremonies. This will be done island wide and will involve community groups, Cadet Corps and schools at 8:00 a.m.
The Laying of Wreaths & Guard of Honour at the Robert L. Bradshaw Community Park in St. Paul’s will begin at 9:00 a.m. in honour of the First National Hero and Father of the Nation, the Rt. Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw along with other National Heroes. Community Awards will also be given to persons who have provided outstanding service to children.
At 4 p.m. Shades of Pink will be hosting a Breast Cancer Fundraiser at 17 Degrees on Victoria Road.
September 18th will be observed as National Colours Day on which creative wear displaying the colours of the National Flag will be worn.
That afternoon, at 5:00 p.m., the new Social Security Building on Liverpool Row will officially be declared opened.
September 19 is Independence Day and will kick off with the Mother’s Union Breakfast at the St. George’s Church Hall (former Basseterre Girls School).
Then at 8:00 a.m. the Ceremonial Parade will be held at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium, followed by the Governor General and Prime Minister's Toasts to the armed and unarmed units of the Ceremonial Parade at the Defence Force Headquarters, Springfield.
On the 26th, Brimstone Hill National Fortress will launch “A Calling to Arms” Exhibition; the High Schools Independence Elocution Contest will take place on September 27 at 7:00 p.m.
The Brimstone Hill Run for the Fit and Fearless will start at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday 29th September.
This year's celebration is being held under the theme, “Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families”, and will be centered around bringing families together while focusing on youths.
