St Lucians gather In London For Flag raising Ceremony

The St Lucian community in the UK marked the start of their country’s National Day celebrations with a special flag-raising ceremony held in Newham, London, today.

A sizeable crowd from all over the UK gathered at the Newham Town Hall in London’s East end before midday to celebrate and mark the ‘nationhood of the nation.’

The main part of the ceremony which would have seen the flag being hoisted above the well-known building had to be abandoned this year due to the inclement weather.

Prominent community activist and local magistrate Justin Moore who organizes the annual event said that he is happy to host what has now become a must-attend ceremony of the year.

“It has been very cold and I leave it all to the people and our supporters. I am grateful for their attendance and their continued support.” Said Moore, who migrated to England in the 1960s from Soufriere. “It’s an important day for our community here in this country and I am grateful for the support we have received today as plenty of people have come to support this event. 

This event is proving to be successful and the audience has always been looking forward to this special day,” adds Moore who singled out his wife Theresa for praises and who according to him has been his rock.” I would not be able to put this event together without the full support of my wife Theresa Moore. She has been there throughout and I am extremely grateful for all her help and support.”

Other Participants at the memorable flag-raising ceremony included  St Lucia’s Deputy High Commissioner to London, Her Excellency Ms.Roseanne Bates who spoke about the significance of this special day and the need for the community to come together to celebrate the island’s national day. 

Also present was Ms.Julie Dublin, transformation manager of the National Health Service who gave a lecture on public health and it’s importance to British society. She encouraged the black community to make full use of the NHS.”We need to seek the help that is available and to make full use of the service.” She said during a question and answer session.

Moore, a pillar and influential member of the East London borough said he was extremely grateful for today’s turnout. 

The qualified social worker who recently received an award from the late Queen for his outstanding service and achievements said that he would also like to thank the Deputy High Commissioner Her Excellency Ms.Roseanne Bates for her input. “She spoke so passionately about the event and reached out to the community here in the UK,” said Moore.

Moore maintains that he will not give up on his beautiful island of St Lucia and reveals that he would like to see this important ceremony carry on for many more years to come. “We have to carry on as always.” said a sprightly and youthful-looking Moore.” We don’t intend to give up.”

The East Londoner revealed that he is already planning for next year’s event and that he is happy with all the support that has been afforded to him by the community. “We all know what our national day is all about. Our people all know about it and its significance and I am glad for their support.

Our people have shown commitment which was highlighted through their participation here today. Apart from celebrating our National Day, we were able to socialize with each other and keep up with what is happening in our communities both here in the UK and at home in St Lucia. I will always be grateful for that.”