National Colours Day and a youth talent showcase on Feb. 21, will precede the annual parade and performances on Feb. 22.

Sen. Hon. Fortuna Belrose, the minister with responsibility for Culture and Local Government, has called on Saint Lucians to continue to participate in the activities held to mark Saint Lucia's 38th anniversary of Independence.

“It is about making that commitment to change things," she said. "Saint Lucia belongs to all of us and this is our time to show that we are patriotic, and that we are part of the celebrations.”

This past weekend, the Government of Saint Lucia hosted the National Sports Awards on Feb. 18 at the National Cultural Centre, celebrating achievers from all sports disciplines.

On Feb. 19, a successful “Prayer, Praise and Worship” session at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium hosted persons from several religious denominations.

“The program was designed to uplift us as citizens,” Minister Belrose said. “The response from the religious community and the leaders and ministers was phenomenal. Just the opportunity to see and hear each other pray, and to listen to the different faiths and how we all have this one belief in love and God, our Creator, was significant. I just hope that Saint Lucians will stay in that mode of continuously asking for God’s intervention and guidance as we all ensure that we contribute to the development of our country.”

On Feb. 21, the country will observe National Colours Day, and an Independence Youth Exposé at the William Peter Boulevard at 3 p.m., that will showcase youth talent; while on Feb. 22, the Best of Saint Lucia celebrations will be held at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium from 8:30 a.m., beginning with the annual parade, followed by an exhibition and performances. The public is invited to attend all these events.

Other activities include the Prime Minister’s Independence Ball, in aid of the Upton Girls Garden Centre, and the annual Independence Island Ride and Drive.

The theme for Saint Lucia's 38th anniversary of Independence is “I Am Saint Lucia.” The full schedule of activities is available at www.govt.lc.