Saint Lucia celebrates 30 years of independence

Saint Lucia gained its Independence from Great Britain on February 22, 1979 so this year will be celebrating the landmark of a 30th anniversary. To highlight this momentous occasion, numerous activities are taking place throughout the year.

Independence celebrations started earlier this month with a lecture by Sir Arthur Lewis, one of Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureates, achieving the accolade for Economics. The other Nobel Laureate is Derek Walcott who received his for Literature in 1992.

Highlights of the upcoming activities, taking place in the UK throughout 2009, include:

• Lucian Night on 21st February is a dance being held at Stratford Town Hall in the presence of His Excellency Eldridge Stephens and Mrs. Stephens. The dance is being held for nationals and friends of Saint Lucia and tickets are selling fast.

• A Church Service on February 22nd is being officiated by Monsignor Patrick Anthony. Monsignor Anthony is a highly respected priest in Saint Lucia, well known across the Caribbean and will travel to London from Saint Lucia to conduct the mass. The service starts at 2.00pm followed by a reception at 3.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

• A Gala Awards Dinner will be held at The Landmark hotel on June 13th, hosted by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia P.M. Stephenson King to mark this great occasion in Saint Lucia's history. Awards will be given to Saint Lucians on the evening in recognition of services they have provided to Saint Lucia or Saint Lucians. Tickets will be on sale from April and can be purchased from the High Commission for Saint Lucia or Saint Lucia Tourist Board.

Other planned events during the year include a round table panel discussion in April with a number of Saint Lucian celebrities invited to take part. July will see a family sporting activity day and a trade and cultural exposition arranged, followed later in the year by a Cultural Extravaganza, in September.

Over the last 30 years, Saint Lucia has developed to accommodate the ever increasing interest it has received from around the world, yet it still holds its original charm and beauty. The island’s motto ‘The land, the people and the light’ communicates the key elements that make Saint Lucia the popular destination that it is today.

A perfect combination of a stunning landscape made famous by the twin mountain peaks, the Pitons plus the warmth and passion of the people – and not forgetting the year round sunshine – makes Saint Lucia a truly unique experience for all that visit.

For further details on the activities mentioned above, contact the High Commission for Saint Lucia - stlucia.gov.lc.