Prime Minister Allen M. Chastanet hosted the second annual Prime Minister's Independence Ball on the eve of Saint Lucia’s 39th independence anniversary.

The ball is held to help raise much needed funds for the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, the Holy Family Children's Home, and The Saint Lucia School of Ballet and Modern Dance.

The prime minister said: “I personally want to thank the over 340 persons who attended, including my fellow cabinet colleagues, the President of Martinique His Excellency Alfred Marie-Jeanne, our foreign ambassadors and dignitaries, consular staff, our keynote speaker cricket legend Mr. Brian Lara, the local business community, and the various companies that contributed prizes to be auctioned on the evening.

I must also make special mention of my wife Raquel for continuing to have the humility, passion and drive to successfully organize events like these. May the Good Lord continue to bless our island. Happy 39th Independence Anniversary Saint Lucia.”

The Independence Ball was held on Feb. 21, at the Sandals Grande Beach Resort and Spa.