The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force has announced that this year’s 45th Independence Anniversary will feature an evening Independence Parade starting at 6:00 PM on October 27, 2024, at Victoria Park. This will be the first evening parade since the historic midnight event in 1979 when SVG gained independence from Great Britain.
With the theme “45 Years of Togetherness, Prosperity, and Perseverance!”, the celebration will be a blend of tradition and innovation. Superintendent of Police Mr. Junior Simmons and Assistant Superintendent of Police Mr. Parnel Browne will lead a parade of seven armed and ten unarmed guards.
Her Excellency, Governor General Dame Susan Dougan, will receive the Royal Salute and inspect the Guards on parade, while Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves and Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mr. Enville Williams will be honored with salutes as well. The evening will crescendo with the echoing of “Three Cheers to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
For the first time, three bands—the Royal Grenada Police Force Band, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band, and the Cadet Force Band—will perform together. A contingent of 40 Vincentian sailors from the British Royal Navy will also participate, symbolizing SVG’s international ties.
The evening will close with a national concert and fireworks display, showcasing local talent. Citizens are invited to join this landmark celebration at Victoria Park and commemorate 45 years of independence, unity, and progress.