Carriacou and Petite Martinique have embarked on festivities as it joins the mainland in celebrating the country’s fiftieth anniversary of Independence, according to Parish Lead for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Amanda Jack.
Speaking at a press conference last week Thursday, Jack said that the two sister islands have already begun engaging in various activities enroute to the island’s Independence on February 7, 2024.
It was disclosed that persons came together in a session to engage in discussions regarding the Possessory Title Act with attorney-at-law and former Magistrate George Prime who was the Feature speaker.
Jack told reporters that the intention was to spark a deeper understanding of the Act and how it affects the lives of people.
“We have had our first event – a Town Hall, the H.A. Blaize lecture series on the topic the Possessory Title Act…Right after the New Year’s… we are going to have a health fair and walk on Sunday, January 7,” she said.
This event will see persons walking from Windward to Hillsborough.
Jack disclosed that the young people on the sister isles will also have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge in the Primary School quiz as part of the planned 50th anniversary activities.
“After that we roll straight into our Primary School quiz. Preliminary rounds will be Tuesday, the 9th with the finals being Thursday the 11th,” she said
January 14 has been dubbed ‘Petite Martinique Day” as part of the plans to ensure that the smallest of the three islands is not left out of the jubilee celebrations.
“We are having what we call Petite Martinique Day… It will start off with a church service and close off with a family fun day at the playing field,” said Jack.
In addition, Petite Martinique will also host Marquis week at the end of January.
THE NEW TODAY understands that persons will get the opportunity to display their athletic skills at the Lauriston Mini Stadium on January 19, 2024.
Jack also spoke of plans to hold an Ecumenical Service on January 21.
She said: “We invite all worshippers, all Carriacounians in a show of unity, thanksgiving and praise to our Mini stadium again for our Ecumenical Church service as we thank God for keeping us for the past fifty and we ask him to continue to direct our steps for the next fifty.”
According to Jack, the Jubilee celebration has sparked the reemergence of the best village competition on the small island.
“What we have done is divide Carriacou and Petite Martinique into nine zones that will be judged based on food, culture and on beautification. We crown our best village winner to represent Carriacou and Petite Martinique on the national stage.”
Jack implored Carriacounians and Petite Martiniquicans to submit potential awardees for The Minister’s Gala and Award Ceremony on January 31.
THE NEW TODAY was informed that persons will be awarded in areas such as education, health, business, fishing, farming, community service, culture, sports and police.
Jack said that before taking a break for Kayak Mas 2024, the Frown Jewel and Parish Day will take place on February 1 allowing the island to showcase various part of its culture.
“We will see our military parade and various aspects of our culture on show closing off the night with a Calypso show,” she told reporters.
In April 2024, the island will resume Independence activities with a Secondary School debate as well as an event called “Visit Us” which is a “cultural explosion and food fest.”
Jack stated that the activities surrounding the island’s jubilee celebration will cater for everyone regardless of their respective age.
“…Something for the old, something for the young, something for the sports enthusiast, the nature enthusiast or just someone who wants (to) join us and celebrate.”