The Government of Saint Lucia has released a packed calendar for Saint Lucia's 38th Independence Anniversary.

A range of events spanning three weeks will mark Saint Lucia's 38th Independence Anniversary.

From a praise and worship celebration at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Feb. 19, to an Independence Youth Expose at Constitution Park on Feb. 21, the activities are aimed at engaging the entire populace.

Hon. Fortuna Belrose, Minister for Local Government and Culture, said she hopes the activities will persuade citizens to become more involved in the development of the country.

“This year, under the chairmanship of Donavan Williams, we have created an abundance of activities that will engage the public, and teach about our history and heritage, so that you can evaluate where you are and assess how you can get more meaningfully involved in the development of country," she explained. "The programs cover events across the length and breadth of the country catering to families, communities, and organizations. I therefore challenge every Saint Lucian to let your passion for your country, the place that gave you birth, reverberate across fair Helen during the celebrations.”

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Local Government and Culture, Donovan Williams echoed the minister's sentiments.

He said the 2017 Independence theme, "I Am Saint Lucia," kindles a sense of patriotic unity.

“Ultimately Saint Lucia is what we, individually and collectively, make of it. So if we say I am Saint Lucia, if we contribute to the positives, we will have a positive Saint Lucia. If we contribute to the negatives, we will have a negative Saint Lucia. The time is right for us to have serious dialogue about what we want Saint Lucia to be, and to use Independence to broaden that dialogue.”

Other activities that form part of the celebrations include a discourse and panel discussions, Independence 4x4 Wars, and an Independence Tea Party and writer’s forum.

The Independence press launch was held on Feb. 6.

Watch the launch of Saint Lucia's 38th Anniversary of Independence celebrations here.