We never envisaged the baton relay to have grown into what it is today. It has grown so largely, so much appreciated, that I’ve received calls from persons around the world asking me about the various constituencies, the days that they will be showcasing their talent,” exclaimed Local Government Minister Richard Frederick during the opening leg of the National Independence Baton Relay.
The relay forms part of Saint Lucia’s 46th Independence Anniversary, under the theme, “Douvan Ansanm: Health and Well-Being for a Prosperous Nation.”
The relay highlights community members in the constituencies across the island and spans some three weeks as the baton is passed from constituency to constituency.
Local Government Minister Frederick says the activity now draws crowds of supporters both locally and in the diaspora. This characteristic, he noted, is the cornerstone of the relay.
“We have to remain proud as Saint Lucian people because no matter what they say, our smallness has created indentations on the global village that cannot be erased,” he said.
The relay commenced in the constituency of Babonneau this year at the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School on January 29th. The baton was then passed to the constituency of Gros Islet on the 30th, and will be passed through Castries North on the 31st. By February 1st, the baton will pass through Castries East.
Babonneau MP Dr Virginia Albert-Poyotte was thrilled that the relay opened in her constituency and said it was a good opportunity to showcase the different communities in her constituency. “The opening was grand. We had over a thousand students and other people witness it. This is the first grand opening that we have had for the baton relay. So it was very refreshing and we were able to journey through the constituency,” she said.
The relay will also have virtual legs at the three University of the West Indies campuses on February 3rd, 10th and 17th.
