Saint Lucia is set to mark its 46th year of independence with a vibrant lineup of events under the theme Douvan Ansanm—Health and Well-Being for a Prosperous Nation. This year’s celebrations will be accompanied by the powerful anthem Damn Proud Lucian, a hit song by Sly, capturing the spirit of national pride and unity.
A Symbolic Start: The Independence Baton Relay
Kicking off the celebrations is the highly anticipated Independence Baton Relay, a symbol of strength, resilience, and community. Beginning on January 29 in Babonneau, the relay will make its way across all 18 constituencies, culminating in Castries Central on February 18.
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Organized by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Department of Housing and Local Government, the Saint Lucia Fire Service, and the National Independence Committee, the relay emphasizes national solidarity.
Yasmine Steele, Chair of the National Independence Baton Relay, highlighted the event’s significance. “The relay showcases the strength of our councils and the power of local government. We encourage all communities to come together and take part in this unifying moment.”
The baton will pass through key areas including Gros Islet, Dennery, Vieux Fort, Soufrière, Anse La Raye, and Choiseul before reaching its final destination in Castries.
Empowering Businesses: Export Saint Lucia’s Business Expo
Entrepreneurs will take center stage at the Business Expo hosted by Export Saint Lucia on February 15 in Vieux Fort. Following the growing success of previous years—where participation nearly doubled to 140 exhibitors—this year’s expo aims to shine an even brighter spotlight on innovation, sustainability, and youth entrepreneurship.
CEO of Export Saint Lucia, Sunita Daniel, emphasized the expo’s role in economic growth:
“Thousands have attended these expos, leading to new markets, business leads, and partnerships. This year, we’re focusing on tech-driven solutions, young entrepreneurs from the Youth Economy Agency, and a strong push for agro-processing and the green economy.”
A Stage for Youth Voices: The Youth Parliament
The Ministry of Youth Development and Sports will host the Youth Parliament on February 4-5, providing a dynamic space for young leaders to engage in debate, policy discussions, and democratic participation.
Rohan Lubon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, described the initiative as a vital part of Saint Lucia’s independence celebrations:
“This platform empowers young people to voice their opinions on pressing issues and develop leadership skills that will shape the future of our nation.”
Sports, Innovation, and Entertainment: A Packed Independence Calendar
Saint Lucia’s independence celebrations will also feature an expanded alternative sports calendar, running from October 2024 to March 2025. The ministry has introduced a series of events aimed at increasing participation in non-traditional sports.
Exciting highlights include:
- ‘Guns Down, Wheels Up’ – A youth-focused initiative at the Soufrière Bus Terminal
- Independence Darts Competition – Various locations to be announced
- ‘Drive, Impact E-Sports’ – A gaming and motorsport crossover at the Gros Islet Human Resource Centre
- Auto-Cross Drift Expo – At the Castries Waterfront and Daren Sammy Cricket Ground
Other adrenaline-filled events include Paintball Wars at the Sab Vigie Playing Field, Super Motor at the Castries Waterfront, Island Beats Sound Clash at Beausejour Promenade, and a National Schools Chess Competition in Gros Islet.
For traditional sports enthusiasts, the Independence Games will feature track and field events, Independence Day Cycling, and a Shark Tank Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament.
Lubon encouraged local communities to organize their own sporting activities, reassuring that the ministry stands ready to support initiatives that align with the nation’s independence vision.
As Saint Lucia steps forward into another year of independence, the celebrations reflect the country’s dedication to unity, innovation, and well-being. From symbolic relays and business expos to youth engagement and high-energy sports, the festivities showcase a nation moving forward—Douvan Ansanm.
Independence Celebrations Calendar Highlights:
- January 29: Kick-off of the Independence Baton Relay, Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School
- January 30: National Awards of Excellence, National Cultural Centre
- February 4 & 5: National Youth Parliament session
- February 8: Legacy Calypso Show, Pavilion on Rodney Bay
- February 10–28: Proud Lucian Series, Live on NTN
- February 14: Praise & Worship Ecumenical Service, Our Lady of the Assumption, Vieux Fort
- February 15: Business Expo, Vieux Fort
- February 15: 43rd National Sports Awards, Pavilion on Rodney Bay
- February 17–21: District Schools Rally, various districts islandwide
- February 20: Independence Lecture,
- Finance Administrative Centre
- February 21: National Colours Day and Raising of the Flag & Fireworks Display, Heroes Park, Castries
- February 22: Military Parade & Independence Rally, Mindoo Philip Park; Seafood Festival, Castries Fisheries; Super Motor, Castries Waterfront
- March 8: Independence Gospel Concert, National Cultural Centre
- March 16: National Investiture Ceremony, Live on NTN
In celebration, Carib News compiled this list of Saint Lucian Nationals representing in excellence for the country abroad.
