[dropcap][/dropcap]The prime minister’s Independence Ball has fast cemented itself as a staple on the island’s Independence activity calendar, attracting Saint Lucians from all walks of life. Tickets for the event in aid of various charities were in high demand. Indeed, long after the fundraiser had sold out, the demand for tickets continued. The support from the private sector, government officials and the diplomatic corps was, this time around, especially encouraging.
Close to 350, dressed to impress in blue, yellow, black and white, attended the ball on the evening of Wednesday, 21 February at the Sandals Grande Beach Resort and Spa. Everyone seemed eager to donate for the benefit of the Holy Family Children’s Home, The School of Ballet and the Blind Welfare Association, not just through the ticket sales but also through an auction and raffle.
In between the glitz and glamour of the evening were messages about the island’s 39th Independence anniversary. Mrs Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Minister with Responsibility for External Affairs, likened it to Saint Lucian women, for whom “life begins at 40”. She reminded attendees that this was “a time to reflect deeply on our journey and the meaningful friendships we have formed”.
The minister added that it was “imperative we look at the bonds Saint Lucia has made with countries all over the world” and took the opportunity, on her government’s behalf, to thank the resident and visiting diplomatic corps members, who were out in full force to underscore their continuing commitment to Saint Lucia.
A particularly exciting element of the ball has always been the introduction of the night’s guest speaker. This time around Equity minister Lenard Montoute had the opportunity to present cricket legend and former West Indies captain Brian Charles Lara who spoke about his love affair with Saint Lucia. Reminiscent of Obama’s “Wha’ go on Jamaica,” Lara opened in Creole: “Bonsoir! Sa ka fete?”—to the obvious delight of the audience. “You have the natural trails, you have the Pitons, the world-renowned Sulphur Springs in Soufriere and you have Pigeon Point,” Lara observed, before adding, perhaps with a particular MP in mind: “Gros Islet on a Friday night is one of my favourite spots!”
Additionally: “And of course you have Beausejour which is the home of a couple hundreds that I have made in my career. In terms of strike rate, that’s the cricket ground I would most love to play on.”
Lara also spoke about the influence of the great Mindoo Phillip on his own life and about his encounters with local cricketer Daren Sammy: “What I found about Daren Sammy, when I met him for the first time, it occurred to me that I had never seen anyone so enthusiastic about playing for West Indies. He reminded me of the days when I first started and I had to share a dressing room with Sir Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes. I mean, at that time I was burning with fire just to be in that atmosphere. Daren Sammy reminded me of that.”
He recalled a tournament when Sammy was on the team and he made a promise: “I looked at Daren and I said, ‘You know what? You are definitely gonna be a part of any West Indies team that I am picking in the future.’ Daren Sammy did not just go on to be a part of any West Indian team that I chose in the future; he went on to become captain, and maybe one of the most successful captains we have had in the last 30 years in West Indies Cricket.”
The audience was captivated by Lara’s stories. They showed their appreciation when the Trinidadian commended Saint Lucia for renaming the Beausejour stadium after Daren Sammy. He ended with thanks to Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and his wife Raquel for inviting him to the fundraiser.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude to his wife and her small team of organisers for all their hard work. He offered special thanks to those who donated to the auction segment and toward the ball’s over-all success.
The prime minister took the opportunity to speak about our nation’s foreign policy and plans for development: “We do not equate small size with powerlessness. Indeed, we have identified specific avenues via which we can seek to promote our development and at once influence global trends which have a direct bearing on our current situation and future prospects.”
Then came the moment regular supporters of the ball always look forward to: the announcement of the Best Dressed. Speaker of the House, Leonne Theodore-John, was part of the team that judged the evening’s best attired. The criteria included coordination of the outfit, representation of the theme, poise and whether it was locally made, trendy and fashionable. The Best Dressed Male award was shared by Clement “Charlie” Charles of Radio 100 and Mr. Earl Francis. Best Dressed Female runner-up was Ms. Joanna Salton and the winner Ms. Jenny Neckles. Entertainment, dinner and dancing wrapped up another spectacular successful event!
Last year the Upton Gardens Girls’ Centre was the beneficiary of the PM’s ball, proving that charity does indeed begin at home. It is estimated that this year’s Independence Ball has raised over $60,000 for the various chosen charities. As the tally of the donations continues, we have no doubt that some people are already securing their tickets for the 40th anniversary ball!
