As we head into celebrations for our Nations 35th Anniversary of Independence, I have some things that I must share. It is truly sad the status of National Pride here in this land 35 years after we won our Independence from Great Britain. 1. The protocol for the use and display of our National Flag is well documented and sadly has been ignored for quite some time. I think it is high time that the Government and People of Saint Lucia educate themselves as to proper usage and display of the National Flag. There has been to much useless controversy re our Flag. We cannot complain about something before we make an effort to ensure that everyone, or at least the majority are provided with the knowledge necessary for them to act responsibly. 2. I sincerely hope that e as a nation recognize that it is important to not only ask the government to provide funds to ensure a great celebration, but to actually partake of these celebrations. The Government is hosting several events to mark our independence. Two of these are of particular importance to me: The Military Parade - Independence Day at 8am - Vigie. It is a public event and worthy of onlookers, a chance to see uniform groups pay homage to our country, including foreign groups. The first ever Saint Lucia Artist Marketplace (SLAM) - Beausejour will be on fire, I will be there, what about you? This is an opportunity for all St Lucians be there! 3. Our National Anthem. Our Anthem is made up of three verses, only three. We learn popular music in no time and store hundreds of verses of American music, Trinidadian Soca and Local Soca and Calypso on a daily basis. We never forget to tune in to hear the latest... is it to much to ask to know the three verses of the National Anthem? I dont think so.... To my mind every Saint Lucian aged 6 and over should know our National Anthem from START TO FINISH! After all it is our National Anthem not just any old song... show some National Pride! Sons and daughters of Saint Lucia, love the land that gave us birth, land of beaches, hills and valleys, fairest isle of all the earth. Wheresoever you may roam, love, oh, love our island home. Gone the times when nations battled for this Helen of the West, gone the days when strife and discord Dimmed her childrens toil and rest. Dawns at last a brighter day, stretches out a glad new way. May the good Lord bless our island, guard her sons from woe and harm, may our people live united, strong in soul and strong in arm! Justice, Truth and Charity, our ideal for ever be! 4. The National Pledge Really it is only four lines, much shorter than the original pledge which I learned as a youngster. It is not so hard! Learn it, keep it, say it with pride. Identify yourself by your national pride! “With God as my guide, I pledge allegiance to my country, Saint Lucia. I proclaim that I will serve my country with pride and dignity and will defend it with vigour and valour in the pursuit of excellence, justice and equality for all.” Jeff Pelay Elva So please take some time to engage in a self directed lesson on civic. Be patriotic, show some pride, spread the love of your country far and wide. Happy 35th Anniversary of Independence St Lucia and Saint Lucians. Celebrate with pride and dignity, show your vigour and valour and stand proud as sons and daughters who love their land. And remember, where so ever you may roam, love oh love, our island home!
Posted on: Fri, 21 Feb 2014 01:06:15 +0000
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