NY – Many churches with sizable Caribbean and Saint Lucian congregation in New York City and the Maryland and Washington, DC areas recognized the 37th anniversary of Saint Lucia’s independence during Sunday services. In some cases the congregation sang the young nation national anthem and displayed its flag and national colors.

Saint Lucia celebrates Independence Day tomorrow, February 22nd.

Heads of government and heads of state, including President Barack Obama, have sent congratulatory messages to the people of Saint Lucia.

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, also extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of St. Lucia on the eve of their Independence Day (February 22, 2016).

In a message to Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, the Governor General of St. Lucia, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of St. Lucia on the occasion of your Independence Day.

Ties between our two countries have been traditionally warm and friendly. The meeting of the Prime Ministers of India and St. Lucia on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September 2015 has been useful in enhancing our friendship and mutual understanding. I am confident that our friendly ties will be further strengthened in the years to come.

I avail this opportunity to convey, to Your Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of St. Lucia,” President Shri Pranab Mukherjee of India said.