Saint Lucia’s 47th Independence celebrations culminated in a vibrant national rally at the Micoud Playing Field on February 22, where government officials, youth leaders, and citizens gathered to reflect on the island’s journey and chart a path forward.
Delivering one of the feature addresses, Micoud North MP Jeremiah Norbert underscored the deep cultural and historical contributions of the constituency to the nation’s independence.
“But Micoud North’s contribution to independence is not confined solely to outstanding sons and daughters of Saint Lucia who love the land that gave them birth,” he said. “Deep within the spirits, the souls and the bones of our people lies an indomitable conviction, a quiet but unshakable belief in resistance, in freedom, in liberty and in service.”
Norbert pointed to the preservation of culture, particularly Kwéyòl, as a form of resistance during colonial rule.
“When our mother-tongue, Kwéyòl, was frowned upon and even prohibited by the colonial elites who governed this island, it was here that resistance took cultural form,” he stated. “Not with retreat, not with cowering, but with more singing, more storytelling, more preservation, more definitions of who we are as Saint Lucians.”
President of the National Youth Council Bernell St. Rose highlighted the significance of independence as both a historical milestone and an ongoing responsibility.
“On that historic day, we chose self-determination, sovereignty, and an unshaken belief in our power to shape our future in our likeness and image,” she said.
“And today, 47 years later, we celebrate not only our independence, but we celebrate our progress, where we have continually punched above our weight and produced internationally recognized excellence.”
She referenced national icons such as Derek Walcott, Arthur Lewis, Daren Sammy, Julien Alfred, and Dwight Venner as examples of Saint Lucia’s global impact.
“This year’s theme, Nourishing Our People, Strengthening Our Nation, speaks directly to the moment we are in,” St. Rose added. “Nation-building is active work. It demands unity, vision, and participation from every generation.”
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, in his address, urged citizens to embrace personal responsibility as the country navigates global uncertainty.
“Unfortunately, we have little control over most of these geopolitical events,” he said. “However, we do have control over our individual actions. To make our independence meaningful and relevant, we must take personal responsibility for our lives.”
He outlined the shared responsibilities between government and citizens, noting that while the state must provide essential services such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, individuals must uphold civic duties.
“We are all called to discourage malicious damage to buildings and public places, pay our taxes in a timely manner, obey the rule of law, and respect the rights of others,” Pierre stated.
The Prime Minister also pointed to practical areas where citizens can contribute, including environmental protection and responsible behaviour on the nation’s roads.
“We need to refocus our efforts to adapt to a social and economic life in this changing environment,” he said, adding that the government will continue to invest in youth development through entrepreneurship support.
“We will continue to find innovative ways to reduce unemployment among our young people by advancing the youth economy and business startups, ensuring that young Saint Lucian entrepreneurs have the necessary resources to turn their skills into thriving global enterprises.”
The rally served as both a celebration and a call to action, blending reflections on Saint Lucia’s past with a renewed commitment to shaping its future through unity, cultural pride, and collective responsibility.