Independence Heritage Parade to be bigger, better – Committee

Plans for the 2012 Independence Heritage Parade are well underway, and according to members of the organizing committee, it is expected to be bigger and better than before.{{more}}

This is only the second year that the event is being held, but Chevonne Stewart, Chairperson of the National Heritage Parade Committee, said it promises to be a good day.

The parade is scheduled for October 24, when participants will walk through the streets of Kingstown and end at Heritage Square for a big show.

It is expected to be an all-day event, Stewart explained, and beginning at 10 a.m., Heritage Square is expected to turn into a cultural village.

The parade will showcase various aspects of Vincentian heritage, and those taking part in the parade will represent different areas of heritage and culture.

Dance and choral groups have been invited and the parade is expected to feature aspects of Vincentian culture, including some Mas Bands, Stewart explained.

The event will also feature steel pan, with Starlift and the Girls’ High School Steel Orchestra down to perform.

Deputy Headmistress of the Girls’ High School Michele Beache said that it was only the second year that the event was being held, but already the organizers have been seeing some success.

“I want to say that when people get together for the good, we see the fruits,” Beache said.

The event has been able to draw sponsors such as the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) which contributed $15,000, the St Vincent Cooperative Bank, which also contributed $15,000, the Ministry of Culture which pledged $8,000 to the cause and Kentucky Fried Chicken, $3,600.

Gloriah Williams, representing the Ministry of Culture, said that the ministry was pleased with the staging of the event.

She explained that such events are an excellent addition to the month of activities for independence.

Williams is also of the view that such activities widen the variety of activities and encouraged participation.

She commented on the theme “Vincy Pride”, saying that it demonstrated the ideals of the ministry.

“It brings out what we would like to see happening…the parade has the potential to be that event that motivates the consciousness of people,” Williams said.

The GHS Miss Heritage show will be held on October 20 at the Aquatic Club and ten young ladies have been selected to vie to represent the school in the next Miss Heritage pageant.

The contestants are Adiel Hope, Lateefa Noel, Norecia Seymour, Kyla Da Silva, Saphire Dick, Athalia Frederick, Na’Lexxus Browne, Adonia Trotman , Tristen Browne and Taemia Nichols. (DD)