The National Heritage Organization has received sponsorship of $30,000 for this year’s National Heritage Village (NHV) and National Heritage Parade (NHP).{{more}}

Co-sponsors, the St Vincent Co-operative Bank (SVCB) and the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG), each presented the organization with a cheque for EC$15,000 at the sponsors’ launch on Tuesday at the St Vincent Cooperative Bank.

This is the third year that the SVCB is sponsoring the parade and manager of the bank Laverne Velox said her organization views the event as a platform for giving young people insight into our culture and heritage, which makes us uniquely Vincentian.

She articulated her delight at the development of the parade and the great strides the committee has made in producing it.

“The heritage committee must be applauded for their commitment in ensuring the sustainability of the heritage parade, which is an eagerly anticipated event leading up to the national independence celebrations,” Velox declared.

Senior marketing officer of the BOSVG Omari Francis explained that the BOSVG prides itself on being involved in all facets of culture and the NHP is a true embodiment of that culture and national pride.

“We are indeed proud to be a part of a phenomenal event,” he said.

The theme for this year’s parade and village are ‘We love We: All things Vincy’ and will showcase local arts, craft and persons who have made an impact on Vincentian culture.

“This year, we are placing emphasis on business indigenous to St Vincent and the Grenadines and whose products are locally produced. The parade will also feature individuals who have made significant contributions to development of our great nation,” said Mellisa Yorke of the National Heritage Organization.

She said the parade, which will take place on October 20, will also have three performance points where people can experience some of the talent Vincentians have to offer.

The parade will depart the Geest Shed and move along Bay Street down to the old Anglican School, where it will turn right on to Higginson Street. It will then turn right on to Grenville Street and make its way to Halifax Street, where the parade will culminate with a concert, featuring local artistes.

Immediately following the National Heritage Parade, Vincentians can make their way to Heritage Square into the rebranded Xtreme FM Heritage Village, which will run from October 20 to October 27.

“An image of an old-time community, indictive of lifestyles of our ancestors will be created with bamboo huts inside the village,” Jemron Delplesche of the NHO told those in attendance.

He also stated that huts will be utilized by local artisans, restaurateurs, member of religious and various ethnic groups to display their foods, clothing and crafts.

“The Xtreme village programme is designed to showcase what we celebrate as our culture and food over the seven-day period,” he explained.

The village will see different cultural activities taking place each night.

On Independence Day October 27, Vincentians are invited to the Heritage Village to have a traditional breakfast and lunch after the national military parade. The entire Heritage Square will be used on that day and persons are encouraged to wear national colours to be able to win prizes for best national dress.

Kellon Belgraves of Xtreme FM stated: “The quality of our lives depends to a great extent on our being able to take part in and benefit from our culture.”

He expressed the pleasure of the Xtreme team in their participation in the National Heritage Village and their hope to continue the partnership in the future.