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SAINT LUCIA AND GUYANA INEXTRICABLY LINKED

Saint Lucia has two celebrations related to their Independent Status, namely Independence Anniversary and National Day, 22nd February and 13th December and so does the Republic of Guyana, Republic Anniversary and Independence Anniversary, 23rd February and May 26th. Another development is that Guyana was first awarded the Presidency of the United Nations and Saint Lucia is about to gain that prestigious position shortly.

Guyanese form the largest group of expatriates resident in St. Lucia.
St. Lucians were first to enjoy the fruits of Guyana and today they are reciprocating, Guyanese are now enjoying the fruits of St. Lucia. Guyanese are now well established in the St. Lucian society. Many participated in the Independence Celebrations of Saint Lucia and had the opportunity to enjoy the belated celebrations of the 33rd Anniversary of the Republic of Guyana.

Saint Lucia’s 24th Anniversary of Independence Celebration was a grand affair which was marked by numerous functions. I will long remember the Ceremonial Parade at the Mindoo Phillip Park on Saturday, 22/2/03. The Independence Planning Committee must be commended for their efforts at making the celebrations the success it has been. Then it was the Guy-Lucians turn to celebrate with their St. Lucian brothers and sisters, though belated, as the celebration was held on the evening of the 25th of February. The Indies Conference Center was filled to capacity with not only members of the Guyana-St. Lucia Association but the gathering also included members of the Diplomatic Corps and Embassy Representatives, representing the nations of Venezuela, Cuba and the People’s Republic of China. There were Trinidadians, Jamaicans and other Caricom citizens as well.

The ceremony was an elaborate affair with the singing of patriotic and folk songs. The feature address was delivered by Mrs. Lorraine Williams, current President of the St. Lucia Bar Association and former Attorney General and Minister of Women’s Affairs. Two outstanding Guyanese in the areas of business and education, and a student with excellent scholastic achievements were recognized for their contribution. Mr. Ronald Ramjattan, Managing Director of Baron Foods Ltd. was recognized for his Entrepreneurial successes while Dr. Henry Hinds was recognized for his contribution to Education in St. Lucia and the wider OECS. Miss Indira Deonandan was recognized for her excellent results at the CXC Examination.

The Honorary Consul, Mr. Lokesh Singh read the Republic Anniversary Message by His Excellency President Bharat Jagdeo of the Republic of Guyana.
Mr and Mrs Jones led in the singing of the National Anthems of Guyana and Saint Lucia and several songs. When it was time for the folk songs, the gathering got to their feet and celebrated in real good old Guyanese style.

President of the Guyana – St. Lucia Association, Miss Gene Neptune and her Executive Committee must be congratulated for their efforts in making the programme the success it was. Mr. Lokesh Singh encouraged attendees to become members.

The ceremony was followed by social interaction and food and drinks was generously served.

For more details on the Guyana – St. Lucia 33rd Republic Anniversary Celebrations, visit www.stluciasimplybeautiful.com