Saint Lucia celebrated its 38th anniversary of political independence from Britain yesterday.

The activities began with a military parade, and was followed by the national rally which boasted an array of local talent from across Saint Lucia.

The early start did not deter an abundance of onlookers who were present for the event. Also in attendance were the Governor General of Saint Lucia, Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy who conducted the annual independence inspection of the guard, and Prime Minister Hon. Allen M. Chastanet.

Martin Dorville, President of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, delivered an inspirational, and patriotic message.

“As we are Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia is also us, a unique, important, amazing nation of people who have helped to shape world history. We must appreciate this unique identity and carry it with us as a survival tool, a pathway to prosperity, a secret ingredient in our strategy for success. Armed with all we know, learn, feel, possess, think, and experience, there is nothing that we cannot achieve. Even with globalized competition, no one can build a better Saint Lucia than us. We have a monopoly on our [intrinsic nature] and that is a formidable asset, a unique advantage in the making of our nation.”

Prime Minister Chastanet also shared words of inspiration.

“I look forward to working with you so that we can continue to define what being Saint Lucia is, and that we take what is in the world that is good, and add our spices to it to make it Saint Lucian. I am proud of you as a people, and I am hopeful of the opportunity that we have.”

On the occassion of Independence Day 2017, Dame Pearlette also presented several citizens with awards for meritorius service to Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia's 38th anniversry of Independence was held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, on Feb. 22.

The 2017 Independence Awards list is attached.