 Testing testing one two ladies and gentlemen. Good morning. We begin this morning's proceedings with the prayers which will be led by miss bonnet What's kind and heavenly father? We thank you for the many blessings that you continue to bestow upon each of us and our families We thank you for today and as we approach the 44th Independence anniversary of our country. We ask for your blessings upon us We ask for your guidance and your mousseeds in your son's name. We pray Thank you, miss bonnet. Please remain standing for the national anthem of st. Lucia And let's celebrate our country the best we have to give We feel so proud to be st. Lucia Ladies and gentlemen viewers welcome to the official launch launch of the 44th anniversary of the independence Calendar of activities I am keep Italian and it is my absolute pleasure to guide you through the presentation of this year's schedule as momentum continues to build towards Observing our anniversary of independence. I have with me the cabinet secretary and chair of the independence planning committee Mr. Benny manual good morning with Sam annual morning And of course we will have be having a bit of a tether tether in terms of what can be expected for the upcoming schedule so your team was charged with leading Preparations for independence 44 perhaps we can begin with the overall approach taken to planning this year's activities Thank you. Keeper good to be here. Well, actually the approach taken by the team was really to build on the momentum of last year and to some extent a continuation of our last year's independence celebration And of course that will be reflected or it is in fact reflected in the theme That was actually chosen and we'll talk a little about that I imagine but the whole concept was that we wanted coming out of the the COVID restriction coming out of the The kind of protocols and order arrangements We wanted to kind of build momentum as we move to the milestone Celebrations perhaps later, but that was the entire that was a concept behind what the team was thinking and it's interesting You mentioned building momentum momentum. I didn't even know that that was what the intention behind it was So this year's theme can we speak to how it's presented in the activities for the calendar of events? Yes so again Last year, of course our theme was Duvall some celebrating our people In the concept of building momentum We've maintained that general theme Duvall some which is uniquely sent Lucian No matter where you go. Sometimes you hear themes for independence for various Celebration which can be kind of generic but this Duvall some which essentially means as a people as a nation as a community We are moving forward together. That is uniquely sent Lucian And so we wanted to build on that now this year the theme being Duvall some one people Shipping our destiny. We think it's important because it brings the concept of unity as one people But critically that as a people we are working together Shipping our destiny and you can take this at whatever level from the family level from the individual level the community level at the national level we are all Taking responsibility for shipping our destiny as a people a very concise explanation Of course, we would now have a jingle video which will also present the theme for this year's anniversary Back we will continue our conversation with mr. Emmanuel now in recent years Independent celebrations have been tempered by protocol directing the scale of activities to be held What can you tell us about this year's format? Well, this year's format is going to allow opportunities for greater participation at all levels and in fact in keeping with the theme working together coming together The activities and as they unfold and I reveal you will realize that it provides opportunities for participation at all levels so would have National events a number of national events, but we'll also have district community and Events at at various levels of the society the idea being that we really want to bring people together And not only be dependent on only the national activities So we will have zonal activities will have activities by various sectors Led by various sectors, but at all levels of the community We will see the participation of people in fact some of the features or some of the events will really bring back people into independent celebration For example our our military rally And all the activities that we'll be talking about So you will see this year and attempt made to ensure that we can maximize Community participation national participation from the schools at the community level at local government level in the various sectors of the society And then ultimately at the national level and although it may not be see an event But we will be calling the entire nation To participate in celebration in celebrating rather our 44th anniversary of independence Of course, it is a excellent jingle It's one I'm sure it will invite quite a bit of attention and participation by our nationals in terms of the scale of events Are there any adjustments? Is it something where we anticipate perhaps even more participation this year indeed? The scale of events will be keeping in keeping with building of the momentum So for example last year we had a very unique and well a general Well received activity, which was the baton relay which brought and connected all the communities through the entire 17 constituency Un culminated in castries this year again in keeping with the theme of decentralization We will have activities at three key locations and of course The organizers will speak to that so everything will not just happen in castries. It will be decentralized in in view fort and and and and so fray and also in castries Importantly though cable we we are we are elevating our our our profile as a nation So not only will you see greater participation at the national level? But this year St. Lucia will be hosting a very special guest of honor And again, it speaks to St. Lucia's place in the world in the Caribbean and in the world We will be having the Directed general of the World Trade Organization as our guest of honor during independent celebration again showing St. Lucia's Position and its influence in the Caribbean and in the world we're hoping that that again will allow for St. Lucia's visibility and Promoting the contribution that St. Lucia's made over the years So that is a feature that we're actually looking forward to and and generally as I've said It will bring back Activities and events that will allow for participation of the entire nation of course you you just mentioned The participation of national so what are your hopes for how? Solutions will come out in terms of participating in this calendar events. Well, we're very excited about it. In fact The number of activities not only at the national level have been organized by various organizations organizations that Came to us and say we are we are putting on something. Can we be incorporated in the Calendar of activities for example, we're bringing back the the the challenge walk which has been a feature over the years organized by the northern The northern walking Organization or group they are coming back in this challenge walk around the island on the 18th and the 19th we're also going to be having Of course the legacy Calypso We are going to be having a gospel concert put on by the churches So overall it will show that not only do we focus on the national activities But at the community the zonal and organizational level We are bringing people together as we together do some one people Ship our destiny and we think that independence 44 provides that platform to achieve that excellent Before we continue, we will have a replay of the jingle which is presenting the theme for our anniversary of celebrations The best we have to give we feel so proud to be You're watching the official launch of the 44th independence anniversary calendar of activities We just spoke with the cabinet secretary mr. Betty Manuel who? Provided quite a bit of detail in terms of what can be expected from celebrations this year mr. Manuel Thank you very much for speaking with me and we would have just witnessed the video presenting the theme for this year the Video was was coordinated by Tiz the creator and the jingle was voiced by mr. Irvin ace Locked her of course we're moving along and I have with me the CEO of Export sent to which I miss Anita Daniel who is going to be speaking about how she will be involved with her Organization will be involved in this year's calendar miss Daniel. Good morning. Good morning, Kiba and good morning to all our guests today Welcome of course you will be speaking to us on the role of export solution this year's calendar So how exactly will the organization be involved in independence festivities export solution is really collaborating with the ministry of commerce who's our parent agency and Also the ministry of agriculture to host a business expo that a business expo will actually be taking place on the 16th and 17th of February and The second thing we'll be working on is what many people may remember as Export the runway which is a fashion show that we hosted last year And so that will also form part of the independence activities this year. Okay, so of course we would have seen the The importance of export the runway the success of that particular activity So what inspired the idea to have it incorporated in this year's calendar the independence planning committee Thought that it would be a really good activity to add on because it really shows the Creativity of our fashion designers from export the runway last year We had many designers now being able to access lines for example in stores locally But also at the hotels and so we thought it was a platform upon which we could build To give our designers give our fashion designers give our same stresses from the small communities an Opportunity to also get ready for the upcoming events So we know that jazz for example is coming up and at expo the runway this year you will see our same stresses You'll see our fashion designers Presenting a line of fashion for jazz We know a lot of people import quite a bit of clothes. I've seen it online recently people saying let me go and order my clothes But we've also got a lot of calls from persons asking us What the contact information for the designers last year so that they could get ready for the upcoming season of jazz So this was really a bit This will be a really great platform for our fashion designers for our same stresses and for our solutions to really Wear something local this year at the various jazz events So you'll be seeing a preview of the solution new jazz fashion line You mentioned the fashion line and of course it's under the theme fashion hits the streets That's right. So we it's the general theme would be a expo the runway, but fashion hits the streets would be what it is built around and We'll really be showing you fashion that you can wear every day Fashion that you can wear the various events We a society that goes out quite a bit and we should not be importing so many clues when we have excellent fashion designers here who can Do just as well as anybody else so who are some of the designers whose work will be featured we have quite a bit of them We featured 23 persons before This year we actually have about 10 to 12 persons because of the time that we have but Rafferty many of you would know about so we'll be seeing some of the cover cover ups for your jazz way We have Helena's we have shall in Lagoon we have quite a few of them So I ask everybody to come out to watch the fashion hits the streets on independence They actually so you can see the full line of fashion designers So give us an image of what that particular day will look like what can people experience when they participate when they attend This particular event this event is part of a bigger event, which is Karanaj craze That one we'll be looking at everything local everything that is sent Lucian looking at all our artists looking at the creatives and When you look at the pot that we're responsible for really it will be a show that will take your breath away it will be produced at an international level as everything else and People should really expect to see very good designs very good clothing that they can wear anywhere else So in terms of how individuals were selected to participate. What would that process have been like? We have worked before with many of the designers before and so we've just chosen some of those Excellent ones. They're all excellent, but we've chosen some of those who really have excellent lines coming up So that's basically how they were chosen We spoke about the fashion event export the runway and of course you mentioned earlier the business expose So perhaps we can visit that a bit in terms of the international mandate of exports and Lucia What sort of opportunities perhaps can emerge from that collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce? The business expose is really something we're quite excited to host because even when we called our business places and we asked them about the interesting participating everybody Immediately said yes, and they were all excited and so look out for 70 Businesses who will be showcasing what they have to offer everything is locally made Everything is sent Lucian made and we'll be using Constitution Park and the Boulevard for these events What exports and Lucia does and the Ministry of Commerce is really to work with those businesses to bring them ultimately to the export market You understand that exports is really how you earn quite a bit of your GDP and the more that the manufacturing sector Excels the the rest of the country excels So we have also very good products which are internationally known and those products once again people will have quite a chance to look at it What also is going to happen at the business expo? We'll also have a vendors Village so we know that there are many vendors operating in the Boulevard. These people will not be put aside There's a vendors village that where they will be at the Derrick Walcott Square And so when you come through and you look at everything that's locally made within Constitution Park and within the Boulevard you are also invited and we invite St. Lucian's to also look at what our vendors have and you understand the demographic of who we have Vending in St. Lucia. I'm quite a few single parent mothers Quite a few persons who really labor every day very hard to make a living and so They will also have a very nice setup at the Derrick Walcott Square And they would also have some entertainment and so we invite everybody to really make it truly national make it St. Lucian So as you come through the business expo and see what's happening in the Boulevard and Constitution Park You also get a look at what the vendors have to offer on on those two days So in terms of the entertainment perhaps which may be available at these events Can you perhaps give us a preview as to that? We don't want to put everything out Right now, but we do want to tell you that our creatives our artists will be given an opportunity to also showcase what they have Throughout the day, you will have performances from our local artists many of them Actually, we have about 10 to 15 of them performing throughout the two days The we are also going to have a collaboration with the St. Lucia tourism authority to also have some sort of Jazz event, you'd remember tea time jazz to also have that on one of the days But we'll be ending with a bang with one of the St. Lucia's biggest bands, which I'll not say now But we ask everybody to look out for it We expect it to be to bring a lot of energy into the city When you come you you also have concessionaires all of those are local persons who will be there So as tastings are happening and we have a lot of tastings by many Very good chefs from St. Lucia and as you test what they're doing You're not only going to have a sample, but you could also buy the full meal Enjoy that within an environment where there's also entertainment and a lot happening. It sounds like a very Exciting event. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how it continues to unfold as the dates approach Just a reminder to our viewing audience of the dates of these events. These events are on February 16th and 17th They'll be held at the Boulevard the William Peter Boulevard and Constitution Park We have a business expo for you that is different Which incorporates everything St. Lucia and we also invite you to take in what the vendors have the vendors from who are St. Lucia too and who would also be showing their offerings So we anticipate that the middle of the castry city to come alive with art to come alive with music to come Alive with everything that is St. Lucia and locally made this Daniel Thank you very much for speaking with me and speaking of things that are St. Lucia and highlighting What is available from our creators? We've taken some more cultural content The best we have to give We feel so proud to be St. Lucia and in paradise Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. I have a special guest with me the That would be miss a Gianna T George Who is the acting deputy chief education officer and she will be speaking with us on the national school rallies Good morning to you miss George. Good morning Cuba and Giving us some insight as to what can be anticipated this year with the participation of schools Can we perhaps start with the dates of the events? Oh? was most certainly let me just say that If many people recall in the past would have won national rally and In learning what the chair said earlier on we have decentralized this event to ensure that we can maximize Participation by our students even as I recall my own experience decades ago as a child I remember basking in the Sun singing I charge I charge myself and want to be able to give every child was made sure that's possible That opportunity so in that vein we are going to have district rallies and they will be taking place primarily on February 21st of February 21st of February and So we have district one education district one Whose rally is going to be held at the grocery. They resource center and that will be on the 21st of February District two so grocery district one refers to the grocery lay area Okay, and district two which is which includes most of the castries area would be on the 21st of February I will be held at the Lady of the Rosary of Fatima Catholic Church and District three which takes in most of central castries Will be held differently. That's a twist big. Yes, of course. There must be some variety in this, you know So in that this district the schools have opted for having school rallies individual rallies so each school can have their own activity and Also to you would appreciate that the city could be difficult to find one location to accommodate all of these students So it just made sense to do it that way Also, we've district four The event will take place at the Stanley John Audlaw Memorial Secondary School and that's also going to be on the 21st District five is going to be on the 20th And it's going to be on the grounds of the Clinton Mason Memorial Secondary School District six that's view for in the south is going to be held on the 21st at the Viewford Catholic Church District seven she was there Catholic Church on the 21st and District eight we have eight education districts It's going to be held at the Souffre Catholic Church on the 25th So you can see that all of our rallies will be held on the 21st of February Except for district five which will be held on the 20th and at these rallies you can expect to see Padden tree Students will make presentations They will dance they will sing of course the national songs. We cannot have a rally without those national songs and we know them and So we expect that the students who get this opportunity to exercise their national pride and to do it in a month That's enjoyable and festive, you know Of course, and you will notice that our venues are primarily in a church and that speaks a lot to our people And to the fact that you know worship and spirituality and God is at the center of us do some So it was important for us to use that kind of venue and so the students can understand that hey We are doing everything together with God as our center And so we hope that these days of celebration will be enjoyable and that as our students relive Every independence they can think of it with pride and enjoyment Now you're speaking and I'm also reflecting on what my experience was like as a student preparing for these sorts of activities How have the parents become involved in terms of this preparation process? Okay? So we can expect keep in mind too that the plan is they are still ongoing In many of the districts it has not been finalized But you can expect that perhaps parents may help in putting together refreshments Providing support and monitoring of the children. They are free to attend you know, and of course You know finance you can expect parents to you know contribute And I'm happy that our honorable Prime Minister is here because we're into ensure that every child has a major flag to wave on that day So please put aside a budget for that as well You know, so of course, I mean do us a means everybody involved So the students their parents parents are welcome. I mean parents will not leave work and You know, everybody has a responsibility, but whoever is able to They're excited to come along and help make the celebration as enjoyable and meaningful as possible Miss George. Thank you very much for speaking with us And of course I'm looking forward to see how our young solutions will be demonstrating that love for country in the upcoming event we will now have a Brief intermission and then coming up next we have the Minister for Tourism. Dr. Eunice and I speaking with us Welcome back to the official launch of the 44th the 44th Independence anniversary Calendar of activities with me is Minister for Tourism investment creative industries culture and information Dr. Eunice Thiele, Dr. Hiller. Good morning. Good morning to you And one of the more unique factors which of course defines who we are as a people is our culture that falls within your portfolio Not just demonstrations of our history and heritage But who we are as Saint Lucians and how we represent our nation at home and abroad So how can the representation of brands and Lucia further our developmental goals? Well, I think if you look at you know, the world economy you'll recognize a significant contribution that Creative industries and culture would make to the development of societies you people have the national identities and Oftentimes national identities express through culture for creative industries and spots as well music dance and It's really critical for us as an independent nation For us to be able to say to the world who we are as Saint Lucians and they think in the sense speaks about that and the cabinet secretary mentioned it Do some that we see ourselves as a collective moving together in unison to achieve our national goals And we have to define this and Lucian person who we are We're very proud of the fact that we have an extraordinary beauty Physical beauty as an island and we both are the pitors our waterfalls our rivers and everything else But who are we as a people and the creative industries and culture? Give us that opportunity for us to say to the world who we are through song music dance and Miss Daniel spoke about you know the creatives in terms of fashion is another way of saying to the world who we are And I think through those endeavors those activities. We say to the world This is who the Saint Lucian person is and we have to fight hard to to maintain that but specifically You notice in countries like United States England and some of the bigger countries the importance of the creative sector and Even Jamaica within our regional space the importance of creative industries to Jamaica and the economy and We believe that the creative industries can actually become a fifth major industry So you have tourism agriculture manufacturing financial services and the creatives So not only would the creative industry help us it is a project into the world who we are as a people But it also can make a very significant Contribution to our national development and of course in terms of the other portfolio that you hold which is the minister for tourism How of course can that also tie into having people perceive us and want to come and participate in who we are culture and Our history well one links to the other Tourism cannot be solely about resort based experiences Tourism should essentially be about community based Experiences and the philosophy of this government is about and showing that more solutions participate in the tourism industry and more solutions Own the tourism industry. So we say into the world This is who we are come and enjoy it and sharing of them our warmth our hospitality Really expresses who we are to the world The you know, you have wonderful stories from visitors about our solutions treated them welcome them You know made sure that they were comfortable and they had a fantastic visit, especially those who come on honeymoon and for weddings so this is who we are and by using who we are as a people to Make sure our visitors enjoy that they stay here really reinforces our tourism industry and for the last year Also, we've introduced some new products The Kaba we crawl We've introduced the free picks challenge to climb go Pita Pita on Mon Jimmy We work in on other products, you know, visiting the waterfalls in St. Lucia. We've launched a community tourism You know program which is about building Touristic experiences within communities and to get people to move from the results to go into the communities and enjoy With the cruise passengers We've been doing quite a lot this year and this week will be another big week for us in terms of saying to the Crucifix passengers More of you walk to castries and as you walk to castries you will hear the music You'll you'll go to the market and you will get a better experience of who we are as St. Lucia's and we're going to build on that We work in our on a special Sunday program because on a Sunday the city is almost Dead and yet you have hundreds of visitors just mailing around so the more and more opportunities Have to be created for our people to be able to you know Present who they are from music song dance fashion To visitors and enrich their experience and in the process earning more income for our country because at the end of the day We have to earn the income so the prime minister can buy all the flags for the children So so it's really important that we create the linkages between Export solution they do not fantastic job and the minister he put it in creating that linkage and it's a real proud Experience to see that we are able to use who we are as solutions our creative skills For us to present it to the world for the visitors that come in here now We're spoken about the visitors. We've also spoken about nationals But there are solutions who call our island home but may not be physically on on our shores So, how do the members of the diaspora feature in this year's program? Well, you know They are very significant. I mean and almost every day you get somebody Either sending messages that they want to be part of what's going on and some take the Facebook and express themselves in a very animated way But the point is there is a desire from solutions because of that same identity. They see themselves as solutions And they want to be part of what's happening So even for the present the upcoming Jazz and arts festival that we launched a few days ago Let me tell you the number of people who reach from overseas Wanting to be part of the the jazz and arts festival and you have to explain to them You can't all of your car beyond being slaged But they want to be part of it because it has brand value It's an expression of solutioness and they want to be you know joining in what's happening And we encourage that because you know the world is is a global stage right now and the more solutions we can have You know on that stage the better for us and we certainly encourage solutions in the diaspora We have to be very fun for to send oceans in the diaspora because through wood of mouth and for their own networking They quite a lot of people who visits and Russia because other solutions told them to visit Boosted about their country and encourage them you know to to go and see my island and and and they do and that's welcome For the jazz festival for carnival. It's massive and the mother solutions that come back home to participate in the revelry That we are for carnival. So we want to say to solutions overseas that you know, you're not living overseas You you you actually still living in St. Lucia, although you're working overseas Because we want them to always feel connected with the solutioness that we talk about and to contribute in whatever way they can So given the structure of the calendar for this year How does it align with the creative development of our artiste and what opportunities can exist for them in terms of the celebration this year? Well again, it's been expanded this year. You heard from export St. Lucia Export the runway is what about solution expo And it's something that we collaborate very well in terms of brand solution that every opportunity we get we must create space and Opportunities for our creatives to be part of it. They suffered badly during COVID They're probably the most affected sector because as you can imagine Events could not be held and the event sector is largely driven by the creatives So everything we do we want the creatives to be part of it to from sing and from, you know The violin player the saxophonist player to the dancers what not I'm looking forward to the Karen Ash craze Because I know it will be a spectacle. I haven't seen the script But we have some amazing creatives in St. Lucia and we must always tell ourselves everything we do creates space for the creatives because the creators have Define our identity project our identity to the world and at the same time it creates employment If you think about young people young people's natural tendency is to be involved in sports and Creative activity that that's just the nature of it as we get older our brains get tired our body gets tired You know, we we are less involved in those activities But that's the lifeblood of St. Lucia and we must create a space for our creatives our young people to express themselves Mr. Nels spoke about the jazz lineup for at expo Fashion show coming up. I'm looking forward to it because I want to be able to you know I mean dress for jazz and think I already have my independence outfit So and all of us must make a commitment to support the local industry So if you just think about it the designers the same stresses the small business persons all of them Waiting for jazz for independence for emancipation for junior quay all producing clothing producing Fashion and it's been so locally and maybe going over to the other islands and then going to New York in at the diaspora The same diaspora we spoke about going to London to our diaspora Just think about the industry that we started already through the fashion the use of those fashion shows So for me, I'm really excited about it I believe the calendar will give a lot of opportunities for our creatives to really express themselves I'm glad some activities will be taking place along the waterfront. I think on that day We have about three cruise ships in port So it's also an opportunity for the passengers to come in and enjoy some of our culture and our activities So I think it's a well-put-together program from what I have seen and certainly the creators ought to be happy That opportunities have been created from the means of education every school rally should be about the creative expressions of our students You know, let them create and let them showcase and and start getting them into that mindset Speaking of creative expression, of course, you mentioned that your independence outfit is already organized This morning But I'm very keen to find out who that designer is Um, Mr. Donald, should I say who? Actually, then by Charlene Lago All right. Well, there you have it who the designer is Mr. Minister Thank you very much for speaking with me and of course speaking of this We have some highlights from export the runway, which will be indicating some of what you can expect The champagne Welcome back to the official launch of the calendar of activities for the celebration of our 44th anniversary of independence we would have spoken earlier with the Chair of the independence committee cabinet secretary, mr. Benny Manuel We also had a conversation with miss Sunita Daniel who is the CEO of export St. Lucia And we just spoke with the honorable dr. Eunice Hillair Minister for tourism right now our next guest has the special task of Unveiling the official calendar of events our honored guests mr. Prime Minister Prime Minister St. Lucia Honorable Philip G Pierre good morning to you sir. Hi morning people. How are you? I'm doing quite fine I'm quite excited because we would have been provided with quite a bit of detail on what can be anticipated for independence Celebrations so of course the celebration of our achieving independence is an occasion which provides opportunity For St. Lucia's to reaffirm their love of country and proudly represent our island nation What is the role of the diaspora in nation-building and being national ambassadors of excellence wherever they go? Your thoughts well, first of all, I really want to thank the people in in the diaspora What do you do for St. Lucia? I mean their remittances There are many people in St. Lucia who depend solely on what comes from the diaspora. So I want to thank them for that also in in the diaspora There are many people who are making significant contributions to these countries at all levels at the professional level at every area In life there are people who make that contribution. What you want to do is to try our best to encourage these people not not to come to return home all together but this incrementally begin to to Come come come home. You also want them to share their talents Um, there are doctors the scientists people have a wealth of experience and knowledge They are inventors only last week. I met Dr. Kato Lawrence and he's a world renowned scientist There's Dr. Paris. There are many people who have a knowledge and understanding of the world Who've lived out out of St. Lucia for a long time We need them if they can if they cannot come back Share some of the experiences with St. Lucia come here and speak to our students Speak to our people because you know, we need inspiration and these people are are global citizens They are world renowned lying to come back not not only for independence Of course, you want to come back for independence. We like to come back generally to come back to be to look at St. Lucia as They're really as they're home and and and this government very shortly we're going to be bring into parliaments a diaspora law Which will create a whole smooth of incentives that people from from our solutions even abroad to return home Mr. Prime Minister in your new year's address. I'm just moving back a bit You stated this is the time for us to unite and renew our faith in each other as we strive for a better future So what are your hopes for the future of our nation and maintaining unity as we move forward to in marking 50 years of autonomy? First of all, I'm very optimistic about St. Lucia I'm very optimistic to all I see coming out of St. Lucia to our young people our students I'm I'm very optimistic, but of course there isn't for change and I'd like if solutions Should begin to love themselves a little more love their culture a little more love what is St. Lucia Love the products of St. Lucia If we could be a little more truthful if we could be a little a little less individualistic and think about The the person who has not got what we have A more caring society a society where the underdog is not kept down But the underdog we try to bring we try to come up Together right, but I'm very very optimistic. I think it It's a great future. St. Lucia is part of the world We have we have been affected by what's up in the wheel, but I share The hope that our people They always make the right choices They always do the right things and majority of people of St. Lucia. They want the country to progress They want the country to do better So I'm very optimistic and I think independence is just going to be One of the ways in which we will show how we love our country will show how our country also loves us And of course now to the part of the exchange which I believe is probably the most anticipated The official calendar of events for our 2023 celebration. So mr. Prime Minister You want me to see exactly what we are doing, right? I think the most significant part of of these celebrations is going to be the youth rallies Where the young people are going to be in their schools where young people are going to express themselves I think I'm also very excited about the expressions of creativity The fashion shows The business expo Where what is the solution is going to be it's going to be in on display. We are global people We have to work for the world. We have to we have to create for the world and these exhibitions are going to show that clearly There's also the The youth rally as I said, there's also Independence parade and there's also the batter alley where people are going to again coming together And and aspect of this year's program. It is decentralized Everybody's going to be involved. There's something in In in in the view fort. So generally, I think the program will bring all solutions together and it's decentralized And the whole solution will will will be able to participate Ladies and gentlemen, of course, there's the official video Which is going to provide as much detail as you possibly would need in terms of what can be anticipated for the upcoming independent celebration. So we now have this video to provide you with that visual As we celebrate the 44th anniversary of our independence All solutions will have a chance to be part of this historic achievement As we shape our destiny forward together, we will celebrate together Join us at the business expo in the exciting and historic independent village from February 16th and 17th Where we will showcase our economic progress And where we will come together As one people for a beautiful and moving ecumenical service on friday the 17th of february To give thanks to the blessings given to us as a nation Shaping the way we move forward towards a common goal Is what creates every good team and our top performers in sport Will be justly recognized for their contribution to our collective national pride At our national sports awards ceremony on saturday the 8th of february We are a people who value togetherness of the family Village Community And coming together for sporting events is a part of our culture We'll be on show at Legacy Calypso on saturday 18 february These are the words and music that have brought us together Closer and given voice to so many There will be togetherness, there will be music and we will celebrate together At our independence service and mass saturday the 18th and sunday the 19th of february Let us reflect on how far we've come together on our journey of independence And appreciate that we have so much to be grateful for All our welcome To show the national spirit at national colors day on monday 20 february We are all part of this great nation All part of this great future and we can all take part in our independence really Let's show the world how we are in step with each other as we move forward as one Let's show the world how we are passing the baton to the next generation with pride We will witness the raising of the flag and a grand fireworks display On tuesday 21 february This will be a gala event as we salute the flag on the wish we all toil as one people Do awesome forever it will be an awesome display Of military precision will follow on wednesday 22 february as we view our military parade Do not miss the chance to see the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the safety and protection of our sovereign nation Marching and coming together as one powerful force for good See our troops moving together as one We will come together as one for our national independence rally on wednesday 22 february This is where we will feel the spirit of our people Voices together one family one destiny together. This is an event for the whole family The whole family is welcome to the caranage craze on wednesday 22 february fashion food and family fun in a fantastic setting Show the world that lusia We are One people moving forward together the caribbean connected by our beautiful sea culture and people Have seen many challenges particularly In the recent years with a global pandemic Violent weather and the economic and social fallout brought on by peace We have persevered Often coming together to save lives and property This is our true spirit as proud caribbean people And all of caricom joins in celebrating st. lusia's independence I invite you to attend the independence lecture on thursday 23 february For an even deeper understanding of how we As a unified people one people are shaping our destiny together Our destiny together Will guide how we as a people comport ourselves in our daily lives How we treat each other and how we exude the pride inherent in every citizen Our investiture ceremony scheduled for march 2023 Will mark yet another milestone in our decade's long journey as we continue to move forward together St lusia's 44th anniversary of independence a celebration of all that makes us proud You will not want to miss a moment of this special time in our history Do you want a sum? Do you want a sum? Do you want a sum? Do you want a sum? Do you want a sum? One people One people One people Shipping our destiny Very you have it ladies and gentlemen the very robust calendar of activities for this year's independence celebration And in listening to some of the presentations forming part of the video with the prime minister actually who had Dr beckles is going to be Presenting the independence lecture so speak to us in terms of the decision to actually have him I'll be a part of this year's festivities and you see and dr beckles is Is a global intellectual He's done quite a A bit of work On the history of africa The history of black people The history of the world And it's not it was necessary as we try to Reidentify ourselves as we try to deal with with the issues of the past We we should bring him in so that he can give his experience He can share his experiences and he's also talking about the fact that we we should get paid Maybe we should get paid for the the the the issues of slavery Right where it said that We we have not been sufficiently compensated for what we suffered From slavery and colonialism So I think bringing back is is to share his experiences Share his knowledge on these issues. I think it it's it's a very good choice because I think beckles will bring Will explain to our people What our history is and our history impacts on us now Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for being with us this morning and of course congratulations to you and the governmental solution As well as the stakeholders all the individuals involved in putting together this robust Calendar of events for the independence 44 celebrations I would also like to thank Dr. Oona Syllain deputy prime minister and minister for tourism the cabinet ministers the parliamentarians the cabinet secretary permanent secretaries other government officials independent planning committee members of the media Ladies and gentlemen and of course to you the television audience who have been with us from the start of this program individuals who would have been joining us on social media and we would Of course be anticipating an excellent calendar of events individuals. Please come out You know exactly what is happening for this year's independence celebration So I know where I will be in terms of participating the official calendar will be available on social media platforms So look out for that and this is where I bid you my idea. My name is keep Italian It's been a pleasure being here with you and of course I look forward to seeing some of you at this year's events Of course, we now have a final video presentation again of what can be anticipated for this year's festivities. Thank you As we celebrate the 44th anniversary of our independence All solutions will have a chance to be part of this historic achievement As we shape our destiny forward together We will celebrate together Join us at the business export in the exciting and historic independent village From February 16th and 17th Where we will showcase our economic progress And where we will come together As one people for a beautiful and moving acumenical service on friday the 17th of february To give thanks to the blessings given to us as a nation Shaping the way we move forward towards a common goal Is what creates every good team and our top performers in sport Will be justly recognized for their contribution to our collective national pride At our national sports awards ceremony on saturday the 18th february We are a people who value togetherness of the family Village community And coming together for sporting events is a part of our culture We will be on show at legacy calypso on saturday 18 february These are the words and music that have brought us together Closer and given voice to so many There will be togetherness There will be music and we will celebrate together At our independence service and mass saturday the 18th and sunday the 19th of february Let us reflect on how far we've come together on our journey of independence And appreciate that we have so much to be grateful for All our welcome To show the national spirit and national colors day on monday 20th february We are all part of this great nation All part of this great future and we can all take part in our independence really Let's show the world how we are in step with each other as we move forward as one Let's show the world how we are passing the baton to the next generation with pride We will witness the raising of the flag and a grand fireworks display on tuesday 21st february This will be a gala event as we salute the flag on the wish we all toil as one people Do awesome forever it will be an awesome display Of military precision will follow on wednesday 22 february as we view our military parade Do not miss the chance to see the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the safety and protection of our sovereign nation Marching and coming together as one powerful force for good See our troops moving together as one we will come together as one for our national independent rally on wednesday 22 february This is where we will feel the spirit of our people Voices together one family one destiny together This is an event for the whole family The whole family is welcome to the caranage craze on wednesday 22 february fashion food and family fun in a fantastic setting Show the world that new sea We are One people moving forward together the caribbean Connected by our beautiful sea culture and people Have seen many challenges particularly in the recent years with a global pandemic Violent weather and the economic and social fallout brought on by peace We have persevered Often coming together to save lives and property This is our true spirit as proud caribbean people And all of caricom joins in celebrating st. Lucian's independence I invite you to attend the independence lecture on thursday 23rd of february For an even deeper understanding of how we As a unified people one people are shaping our destiny together Our destiny together Will guide how we as a people comport ourselves in our daily lives How we treat each other And how we exude the pride inherent in every citizen Our investiture ceremony scheduled for march 2023 Will mark yet another milestone in our decades long journey as we continue to move forward together St. Lucia's 44th anniversary of independence a celebration of all that makes us proud You will not want to miss a moment of this special time in our history Duvah Assam Duvah Assam Duvah Assam Duvah Assam Duvah Assam One people? One people? One people? Shape in our destiny