Saint Lucia commemorated its 45th Anniversary of Independence with a series of activities, showcasing the country's unity, resilience, and cultural vibrancy.

The festivities included the annual Independence round-the-island bike rally, and drag racing events held in Vieux Fort, which added an adrenaline-fueled element to the celebrations. Also on the calendar of activities was the Saint Lucia Business Expo which provided a platform for entrepreneurs and businesses to display innovative enterprises that contribute to the country's economic growth. The highlight of celebrations were the official military parade and Independence youth rally held in Soufriere on February 22.

Addressing the nation at the rally, Prime Minister Hon. Phillip J. Pierre urged citizens to embrace creativity and harness the potential of advanced technologies to propel Saint Lucia into a brighter future.

“Saint Lucians have the power to be transformative in our areas of choice. Let us not be satisfied with mediocrity,” he said. “Let us try to be innovative. Let our imaginations soar to new heights and let us climb these heights. There are very many areas and very many fields that we can pursue and make a positive difference to our communities and our country. The rapid advances in information technology and the rise of artificial intelligence are pointing the direction in which the world is heading. We must not be left behind as the world advances and so, we must be creative enough to harness these technologies if we are to build a modern society.”

The President of the Cooperative of the Republic of Guyana, H.E Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said the event of a country’s Independence must be recalled as the country develops.

“Remember that Independence was not bestowed upon Saint Lucia as a gift. It was earned and development of this country as development in my country and development all over this region must be earned by hard work, commitment and sacrifice, by understanding our values and by our commitment to national goals and tasks, and our upliftment of each other.”

Dr. Ali, expressed elation at witnessing youth inclusion in the Independence 45 celebrations.

“I commend the government for organizing a function particularly tailored for young people because in this world today we're easily losing our sense of history and if we lose our sense of history eventually we will lose our sense of purpose because our history is what shapes our principles and our values, and allow us to think about what is best for our country and our region.”

The eve of Independence was marked by a ceremonial fireworks display, and the hoisting of the national flag, symbolizing the nation's sovereignty and the collective aspirations of the nation’s people.