The Mayor of Diego Martin says J’Ouver’t and Carnival like celebrations will not be a feature of a month-long celebration to commemorate the borough’s first anniversary.
Instead, Mayor Akeliah Glasgow-Warner explained that cultural and historical activities aimed at engaging the burgesses, as well as, competitions will be among a list of events taking place. Glasgow-Warner revealed the plans on Saturday following an interfaith service to commence the occasion.
“A lot of people have been asking about the Carnival and the J’Ouvert our council has not taken that approach with our first borough day celebration. Our aim is that at the end of this celebration, people of the region have a better understanding of what we do as a borough, what we do as a corporation and learn more about the beauties within the Diego Martin borough.”
Among those in attendance during Saturday’s service were Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Symon de Nobriga.
The Diego Martin Mayor indicated that the events would be seeking to educate residents and aim, at the same time, to help those in need.
“One of our events is our historical videography competition where residents are offered the opportunity to submit a 90 second video highlighting historical sites within the borough and based on the comments there are so many people saying they did not know certain things existed.
“There will also be an outreach programme which is near and dear to the council’s heart because of the fact that we are considered the low-hanging fruit as people come to us for grants, assistance, anything and we collaborate with agencies and through these outreach programmes we are trying to help our residents,” she explained.
The Mayor also said that on Friday June 14, hundreds will be participating in the military parade which she anticipated would be a major attraction.
Last year a bill was passed elevating the status of Diego Martin and Siparia to boroughs.
Rural Development and Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi said the move has since injected excitement and opportunities within both areas.
“Diego Martin and Siparia have come alive and therefore the vision of the Prime Minister in insisting we continue, we move forward is part of what we are celebrating here today,” the minister said.
Last Friday, Siparia began its anniversary celebrations with the military parade.