BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – A colourful and traditional Ceremonial Parade this morning (Sept. 19) marked the 30th Anniversary of Independence of St. Kitts and Nevis and had attracted thousands of citizens and residents of and visitors to the Federation at the Warner Park Football Stadium to witness the history-making event.
Numerous government officials, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps were among the thousands who experienced what was believed to be one of the largest and most colourful parades ever since the Federation gained Independence on September 19, 1983.
Following the arrival of Commissioner of Police Celvin ‘CG’ Walwyn; Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Colonel Patrick Wallace; Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; and the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Edmund Lawrence respectively, the Defence Force Band sounded off the National Anthem which signalled the official commencement of the 30th Independence Parade.
The Parade consisted of various Armed and Unarmed Services, ranging from children to senior citizens.
The Armed and Unarmed Services in attendance were the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, the Coast Guard, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the Cadet Corps, the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services, Port Authority Security, Boys Brigade, Girls Guide, the Shadwell Overcomers and the Pathfinders, as well as for the first time, Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department and the Prison Service.
The Parade was inspected by the Governor General, who overseeing his first ceremonial parade shortly thereafter took the salute on the Ceremonial March Pass, as the troops uniformly marched around the field in slow and quick time which resulted in appreciative applauses from the gathering.
This was followed by loud reports of artillery gunfire that emanated from the Basseterre High School grounds, which symbolised the 21-gun salute.
With headdress removed, the Armed and Unarmed Forces offered three cheers to the Federation on its birth anniversary, 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.
The Number One Guard, which comprised members of the Defence Force, was adjudged winner of the Best Slow March while the Customs and Excise Department won the Best Quick March and the Youngest On Parade went to the Shadwell Overcomers.
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