 All schools within Education District 8 gathered on Tuesday, February 21st to celebrate the accomplishments of each school and reflect on the efforts of students and staff who had made great strides in the last year in academia, sports, or otherwise. District Education Officer for District 8, Joel Shalmine, says everyone was brought together in church to give thanks of the highest order and give praise for the immaculate performance of District 8. Today we have come together as a district to celebrate the anniversary of St. Lucia's independence and you will see students bringing, exhibiting their patriotism through song, drama, dance, poetry, and every other art form. And we have been anticipating this day for a very long time. A lot of preparation went into this event, this activity, and we're just hoping that it will be very successful. Member of Parliament for Souffre-François-Jacques Emma Hippolit explains that it is important to celebrate the achievements of the youth as Souffre and District 8 have been excelling in all pursuits. As you realize, it is extremely important for us to focus on our young children because it's our independence, it's our nationhood, and we felt as a government that we had to focus on our young people because they are here today and they are our tomorrow. And consequently, we wanted to get them to understand what it means to be a Saint Luciaan, what it means to have pride in our country and who we are as a people. And we believe this year we've really nailed it. Hippolit went on to explain that the theme for independence 2023 was demonstrated throughout Souffre in every activity which took place. And you saw both Saturday where we had the relay and Sunday where all the people from all communities came together to support their fleet. And what a joy it was to see the camaraderie and the unity. And that is what we always say, that is why the theme is so important, and that is to build unity because it is only when we are together as a nation, as a people, as a family, that we are stronger. And as a government, that is what we wanted to show and I feel we are achieving this. During the annual independence rally, awards were given in five categories inclusive of academic awards, science awards, sports awards, corporate sponsors awards, and recognition of service awards for retirees. From Souffre FM, I am Genieve Gonzague.