Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): The 41st Independence Ceremonial Parade takes place tomorrow, (Thursday) September 19, at 8:00 a.m. at the Warner Park Cricket Stadium. The general public is invited to go out in numbers wearing national colours to witness the parade that will feature precision military drills and several special demonstrations.
This year’s parade will be led by Captain Livingston Generlette of the Infantry Unit of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF), who is honoured to command it for the first time.
“It’s a heavy feat to carry, but I will be doing my very best on the day,” Captain Generlette stated after leading the troops during rehearsal on September 17. He cited past parade commanders, including Captain Kenish Garnette, the Officer in Command of the Coast Guard Unit, and Major Kayode Sutton, the current acting commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, and said that he “has some big shoes to fill.”
“I have gotten advice from them and others, and I am taking it very seriously,” the 18-year soldier emphasised, noting that he is looking forward to seeing packed spectator stands at Thursday’s ceremonial parade.
Major Sutton is also marking his first parade as the acting head of the SKNDF. He will be flanking Her Excellency the Governor-General during the inspection of the units on parade and the march past in slow and quick time.
He noted that he has used his keen eye and experience as a platoon leader, second in command (2IC) and parade commander to help correct any errors during rehearsals, which will enhance the spectacle of military drills and other special demonstrations.
“I assure the public that we are going to put on a good display that fits the Independence theme, and I urge everyone to come out, and please be on time so that you don’t miss anything,” he stated.
The theme of this year’s annual celebration is “Together, a People, Proud and Strong: Independence 41.”