Warner Park Cricket Stadium erupted in patriotic fervor Friday evening as hundreds of citizens, draped in national colors and Federation-branded attire, gathered to witness St. Kitts and Nevis’ 42nd Independence Day Ceremonial Parade.
The evening ceremony, which began at 6:00 p.m., marked a significant departure from tradition with its later start time—a change implemented to protect troops and spectators from the intense daytime heat due to climate change effects.
“This really is primarily due to protecting our persons, those who are looking on, but more so those troops that are on parade,” explained Cabinet Secretary Dr. Marcus Natta, noting the decision came from Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew’s medical expertise.
The crowd was treated to an impressive display of precision drills by armed platoons from the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Coast Guard Unit, Royal Police Force, and Cadets Corps. Unarmed units including Fire and Rescue Services, His Majesty’s Prisons, Customs, Port Authority Police, and Brownies also participated.
Governor-General Dame Marcella Liburd conducted the official troop inspection before presiding over the ceremonial march-past, performed in both slow and quick time.
Captain Kenish Garnett of the Coast Guard Unit commanded the parade for the fourth time.
The celebration commemorated St. Kitts and Nevis’ independence from Great Britain on September 19, 1983, with the packed stadium demonstrating the nation’s enduring patriotic spirit after 42 years of sovereignty.