Hillsborough, Carriacou: The local Independence Celebrations Committee has released its program of activities to be held in Carriacou and Petite Martinique to mark our nation’s 36th anniversary of Independence. The committee, headed by Henry Stiell, describes the program as exciting and one with a difference, and it’s calling for broad public support in the activities from the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. All activities are in keeping with the theme of the 2010 observance of Independence: “Celebrating Our Nation’s Birth with Love and Togetherness.’’ One event, to be held for the first time, is a parade competition for community groups and schools organised by the Belair Progressive Youth Movement. The participants, dressed in their national colours and led by the drum corp., will parade at the Hillsborough Recreation Ground. This event is carded for January 30. Community groups will also be featured prominently on the weekend of January 22 – 24, which has been dubbed “Independence Cleanup.’’ An Independence motorcade is planned for January 24, with organisers using the occasion to share information with the public on the program of celebratory events. January 29 is a big day, starting with an Independence schools’ road race. Later in the evening, the Hillsborough Tennis Court will be transformed into a cultural village with events such as singing and dancing. The annual Independence Church Service will be held on Sunday, January 31, at the Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church. Then on Tuesday, February 2, the Mr. & Ms. Independence 2010 – which involves students from primary school – will take place at Hillsborough Government School. The parish celebration for Petite Martinique is planned for February 3. It’s on February 4 in Carriacou, starting with a parade of uniform groups through the streets of Hillsborough at nine O’clock in the morning. The day ends with a function at the Lauriston Cultural and Sporting Complex with an awards and cultural evening. A national dish competition in Petite Martinique on February 8 will bring down the curtains on 2010 Independence celebrations in the sister isles. From Deanna Isaac Carriacou