They came in droves to this year’s Prime Minister’s Independence Ball, which took place on Saturday February 23, but there was something special in the air this time around, a spirit that suggested coming together for a common cause. Diplomats rubbed shoulders with businesspeople, nationals eagerly introduced themselves to attendant dignitaries national and foreign, regular citizens hugged constituency representatives. All around the room attendees lauded the obvious effort and determination to make Saint Lucia’s 40th anniversary of Independence a celebration to remember.
They were eager to support the night’s charity ball for the benefit of several organisations, the main one this year being Cornerstone House which provides housing to the homeless and dispossessed although many pledges were also made to other charitable organisations on the island. Founded by Juliet Brathwaite, operations at Cornerstone commenced in 1997 but the official opening was in November 1998. The original idea for the Cornerstone House was to provide night shelter and a meal for the needy: the beds were supposed to be occupied for the night and then readied for anyone else in distress, but Cornerstone soon became a regular refuge for the indigent.
Masana Morrison of The Wave co-hosted the charity event at Sandals Grande with renowned Saint Lucian actor Joseph Marcell (of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) as master of ceremonies. A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Marcell has appeared in productions of Othello and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He also appears often on British television and in feature films, and serves on the board of the Globe Theatre in London. His wit and energy added tremendously to the evening’s experience.
Music was supplied by national treasures Boo Hinkson (who wrote this year’s popular and unifying Independence song “All In”), Barbara Cadet and Shannon Pinel. As usual, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Band was a big hit. Two outstanding young Saint Lucians, business innovator Johanan Dujon and famed local sculptor Jallim Eudovic, were specially invited by the Prime Minister to deliver well-received addresses.
A specially sculpted piece by Jallim Eudovic was presented to keynote speaker Mr. Andrew Farkas of Island Global Yachting (IGY), as well as to the visiting Taiwanese special envoy Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan who represented his country’s president Tsai Ing-wen. He was also accompanied by business leaders to explore potential investment and trade opportunities between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.
In a passionate address, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet emphasized the significance of this year’s independence theme, “All in, Our Journey, Our Future”, as the perfect formula for our advancement as a people and a country. He stressed the importance and vital need for all Saint Lucians to be involved in the future progress of our country.
The much-anticipated auctions of trips overseas, hotel packages and other hot-ticket items such as front row seats to London and New York Fashion weeks were received with exuberance as bidding wars began. Even more thrilling were the unexpected, large donations made by many of the winners of prizes and gathered businessmen. Gasps of amazement were followed by thunderous applause as donors attempted to outdo each other in the name of the night’s charities. Guests were later invited to dance till the early morning hours at the Palladium— renamed Studio 79 on the occasion—to the sounds of Dr. Beat.
Requests for tickets to next year’s Prime Minister’s ball have already started pouring in, which must come as a big boost for the originator of the event, the hard-working Raquel DuBoulay-Chastanet, wife of our country’s prime minister.
