The 2026 edition of Saint Lucia’s National Independence Baton Relay continued on Sunday, 15 February, with the penultimate leg making its way through the northern constituency of Gros Islet, setting the stage for the relay’s grand culmination.
Residents turned out in strong numbers as the relay made its final leg through the constituency, with participants lining the streets in a colorful display of national pride. Gros Islet MP, Kenson Casimir, described the atmosphere as lively and uplifting, noting the enthusiastic response from the community, particularly young people. “Gros Islet always brings the excitement. We had a lot of fun on the road today. A lot of the young people came out,” Casimir said.
He highlighted the importance of fostering national pride among the younger generation, adding that the relay serves as more than a ceremonial event. “The pride that has been instilled in our young people and the next generation, I think that is just such a wonderful initiative to get people to really internalise what it means to be Saint Lucian.”
According to Casimir, Gros Islet once again lived up to its reputation for high energy and strong community participation. “Gros Islet, as per usual, brought in the energy. It’s a very, very large constituency geographically and in terms of population, and so you see in the time that we are trying to end this thing, but very, very well done.”
Reflecting on the overall experience, the parliamentary representative expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the mood of residents.
He said the level of excitement demonstrated a constituency that is confident and optimistic about the country’s progress. “My takeaway is Gros Islet is a constituency that is on fire, excited. They seem to be very enthused about Saint Lucia and I guess it speaks to being satisfied with the development of this country, the direction this country is going into and so for me I’m a very, very happy parliamentary rep.”
The National Independence Baton Relay forms part of Saint Lucia’s annual Independence celebrations, bringing communities together in a symbolic journey across the island before culminating in a final host constituency each year.
