In observance of St. Lucia’s 43rd anniversary of independence, the Consulate General of St. Lucia in New York hosted a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
On the day’s program were remarks by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, along with his deputy, Dianna Richardson, the former representative for the 43rd Assembly District in Central Brooklyn.
Howie Prince, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Consul General in New York, brought congratulatory remarks on behalf of his Caribbean Community (CARICOM) colleagues, and Mathias Wilkie spoke on behalf of the New York City-based St. Lucia House Foundation.
St. Lucia’s incoming Consul General, Jeremiah Hyacinth, also addressed the gathering.
He said the theme chosen for this year’s celebration, “Douvan Ansanm – Celebrating Our People,” is “quite appropriate, because, as a people, there is much to celebrate as we remain resolute in our belief that better days are, indeed, ahead of us.
“I know that this year’s theme is, undoubtedly, of great significance to overseas based St. Lucians simply because, despite the severe challenges of the last 24 months, you never gave up on your family and friends, who depend on your remittances and other contributions,” Hyacinth added. “And so, you’re more than worthy to be celebrated, given your resilience and unwavering commitment to your beloved homeland.”
The Consul General expressed his “heartfelt appreciation” to “the Borough of Brooklyn, City of New York and its great people for their generous support and goodwill extended to St. Lucia and its people.”
St. Lucian poet and winner of the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature, Vladimir Lucien, read three of his published poems, while a cultural performance was done by St. Lucian violinist, Grace Ramjewann-Andrews.
The Brooklyn-based Tropicalfete, a major cultural group, also paid tribute to the island with a special cultural presentation on stilts.
St. Lucian lifestyle and health coach, Dionne Nicholls served as event host.
