Events unveiled to mark the 29th Anniversary of Independence

Armed and unarmed units salute St. Kitts and Nevis’ Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian during a past Ceremonial Independence Parade at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium.

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, AUGUST 30TH 2012 (CUOPM) – The official opening of the new Social Security building, National Honours announcement, the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Inter-denominational Service, the Governor General’s Reception and the Ceremonial Parade are among the major events carded for the 29th Anniversary of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Independence.

This year’s events are being held under the theme: “Cherishing Children, Strengthening Families.”

Chairman of the Independence Celebrations Committee, Ms. Sharon Rattan said official events on the calendar begin on Wednesday 12th September with a visit by Government Ministers to rural primary schools. That same evening, the Wesley Methodist Church Hall is the venue for the Prime Minister’s Lecture Series at 8 p.m.

The following day, Thursday 13th September, visits will be made to primary schools in Basseterre.

The Schools’ Patriotic Programmes and Independence Treat, a Public Education Outreach, Department of Probation and Child Protective Services in down town Basseterre, will take place on Friday 14th September 2012.

A Drill Display and Police Drum Corps (Juniors) will take place at the Bay Road, Basseterre at 6:30 p.m. with the Cultural Gala Night at 7:30 p.m. outside the National Museum (Old Treasury Building).

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas interacts with students at the Charles E. Mills Secondary School.

The Embassy of Venezuela 10K Marathon will begin at10:00 a.m. on Saturday 15th September.

September 16th September, National Heroes Day, will be observed as the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, the National Honours Announcement, the Independence Fun Run at 3 p.m. and the State Service at the St. George’s Anglican Church in Basseterre at 6 p.m.

As National Heroes Day falls on a Sunday, the day will be celebrated with a public holiday on Monday 17th September with the raising of Community Flag Raising Ceremonies taking place island wide involving community groups, Cadet Corps and schools at 8 a.m.

At 9 a.m. there will be the Laying of Wreaths & Guard of Honour at the Robert L. Bradshaw Community Park in St. Paul’s, in honour of the First National Hero and Father of the Nation, the Rt. Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw and other National Heroes. Community Awards will also be given to persons who have given outstanding service to children.

At 4 p.m. SHADES OF PINK will have a Breast Cancer Fundraiser at 17 Degrees on Victoria Road.

Tuesday September 18th will be observed as National Colours Day on which Creative Wear with the Colours of the Flag will be worn.

The Bradshaw Memorial. (Photos by Erasmus Williams)

At 5 o clock that afternoon the new Social Security Building on Liverpool Row will be officially opened.

Wednesday 19th September is Independence Day and begins with the Mother’s Union Breakfast at the St. George’s Church Hall (former Basseterre Girls School)

The 8:00 a.m. the Ceremonial Parade will be held at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium, followed by the Governor General and Prime Minister’s Toasts to the armed and unarmed units of the Ceremonial Parade at the Defence Force Headquarters, Springfield.

Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian will host his Independence Reception at Government House.

On Wednesday 26th, Brimstone Hill National Fortress will launch “A Calling to Arms” Exhibition; the High Schools Independence Elocution Contest is on Thursday, September 27th at 7 pm and the Brimstone Hill Run for the Fit and Fearless at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday 29th September.