BROOKLYN, New York – The culture of the Caribbean island of St. Lucia took center stage this past weekend as St. Lucians gathered in New York to jump-start landmark 30th Independence Anniversary celebrations amidst the sounds of folk music, calypso rhythms, and country music – a musical genre that has been fondly adopted by St. Lucians.
Held at the St. Lucian-run Club Caribbean City on Empire Boulevard in Brooklyn, members of several St. Lucian organisations joined United Nations Ambassador Dr. Donatus St. Aimee, Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Minister Counsellor Sarah Flood-Beaubrun and other government representatives to recognise the strides the small island nation had made in its three decades of self-rule.
The event, which was broadcast on Hot FM radio in St. Lucia, featured nostalgic “back in time” presentations from the St. Lucia Cultural Organisation (in both song and dance), calypsonians Gros Islet and Papa Bongo, poet Alvin Charlery as well as the Inferno band.
The theme of this year’s activities is “A Journey to be proud of, A future to look forward to” and activities this week included a flag raising ceremony presided over by the office of Brooklyn’s Borough Hall President Marty Markowitz.
St. Lucia gained its Independence from Great Britain on February 22, 1979.
President of the St. Lucian United Organisation, Gaulbert Cadet (left), Immediate Past President Danette Sampson and Ambassador Dr. Donatus St. Aimee, at Club Caribbean City in Brooklyn on Sunday.
From left: Cecilia Bathelmy, Ambassador Dr. Donatus St. Aimee, Minister Counsellor Sarah Flood-Beaubrun and Brian Henry at Club Caribbean City in Brooklyn .
The remaining schedule of 2009 Independence activities slated for February and March in New York follow:
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Manufacturing display of products and congratulatory book signing at St. Lucia Consulate and UN Mission continues throughout week. (800 Second Avenue , 9th Floor, New York , NY 10017 ).
Thursday, February 19, 2009
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Poetry Night: Helen and the Arts – A celebration of the literary and visual arts at St. Lucia Consulate and UN Mission.
Friday, February 20, 2009
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Ambassador’s Reception – Permanent Mission of St. Lucia to the United Nations, 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
10 p.m. – 4 a.m. – Cultural Fête – Various locations.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
4:30 p.m. – Anniversary Mass Service – St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church (1123 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn , NY 11213 ).
Saturday, March 14, 2009
9 p.m. – 2 a.m. – Independence Gala – Grand Prospect Hall ( 263 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215 ).
