BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RAVE reviews have been given to the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Band and a number of the armed and unarmed units that participated in St. Kitts and Nevis 29th Independence Parade today (Sept. 19), for their splendid display of skills, precision and patriotism.
It was just after 7:00 a.m. on this humid September morning that hundreds of spectators began filing into Warner Park in anxious anticipation of a spectacle they had witnessed before, but one which never ceases to invoke an overwhelming sense of pride.
Hundreds – comprising groups of armed and unarmed units - had assembled and steadied themselves on the grounds in anticipation of the arrival of the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Head of State His Excellency Sir Cuthbert M. Sebastian; and the Heads of the Security Forces.
Following the arrival of Commissioner of Police C. G. Walwyn, Defence Force Commander Colonel Patrick Wallace, Prime Minister Douglas and Sir Cuthbert respectively, the Defence Force Band sounded off the National Anthem which marked the official commencement of the 29th Independence Parade.
Inspection of the armed units was done by a four-man party led by Prime Minister Douglas while the band beautifully replicated the cords of portions of Johann Strauss II’s Blue Danube Waltz.
Groups on display included the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Cadet Corps, the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services Department, the Coast Guard, Port Authority Security, a contingent from the Royal Navy Fleet Auxiliary Ship Argus, Boys Brigade, Girls Guide, the Shadwell Overcomers and the Pathfinders.
Following the inspection, the Governor General took the eyes-right and royal salute as the guards uniformly marched past in slow time to the strains of Scipio with a smooth transition into quick time, simultaneous with the band slipping seamlessly into the New Colonial March.
Many commended Drum Major Gizelle Williams – who led the Defence Force Band with authority and a skill which proved her deserving that position.
The Defence Force Band also received commendation for its size, sound and skill.
Of particular entertainment to spectators was when the Defence Force Band broke into Kerwin Du Bois’ ‘Bacchanalist’ during the final moments of the march past.
With headdress removed, the armed and unarmed forces offered three cheers to the Federation on its birthday, after which the National Anthem was played before the Governor General, the Prime Minister and the Security Chiefs departed the venue bound for Camp Springfield for the traditional toast.
Prior to offering the toast, Dr. Douglas said popular opinion was that the best showing amongst the armed units was Guard Number One – the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the second being Guard Number Five – the women of the Police Force, and the third being Guard Number Six – the Cadet Corps.
Of the unarmed units, Dr. Douglas informed that Ship Angus’ contingent was the best, with the Pathfinders being the largest and the Port Security Officers and the Shadwell Overcomers tying for third.
Dr. Douglas said he was pleased with today’s parade and took the opportunity to commend the participants.
“The parade of the armed and unarmed troops was a tremendous sight to see. I don’t believe that today could be fulfilled in the way that we expect it to be without the parade of our troops. And I want to commend in particular all those who turned out in their numbers, those bearing arms and showing to the world that we are ready to defend our homeland…and we have demonstrated that by the show of force that was on display on our parade this morning.”
