WASHINGTON, Oct, 2026, CMC – The United States Tuesday congratulated St. Vincent and the Grenadines on its 47th anniversary of political independence from Britain, saying that it values the “strong partnership” between Washington and Kingstown.
“The United States values our strong partnership with St. Vincent and the Grenadines and our shared efforts to advance security and stability across our region,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“We recognise St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ assistance to the Venezuelan people following this year’s devastating earthquakes, as well as our continued cooperation to combat transnational crime and disrupt illicit trafficking. We look forward to further advancing economic opportunity and prosperity for our people.
“As you celebrate this important occasion, I extend my best wishes to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and reaffirm my commitment to further strengthening the partnership between our nations,” Rubio said.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the United States, Lou-Anne Gilchrist, said the independence anniversary is “a significant milestone in the story of a proud, sovereign country whose government and people continue to etch their accomplishments in the annals of time.
“This is a time when communities should unite with a common purpose, support one another in our positive endeavors and uplift our nation to the pinnacle of excellence in all our undertakings,” said Gilchrist in her message to nationals in the United States.
She said that the theme, ‘Hand in Hand, Uplifting Our nation,’ is evocative of Psalm 133 which states, ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
“My message to you, fellow Vincentians, is to act as one body, pooling your resources and expertise for the common enterprise of building and uplifting the nation, which we all love dearly.
“In the face of the complex geopolitical and socio-economic challenges impacting our daily lives and over which we exert no control, it is our resilience, fortitude and internal unity that will guarantee our survival. Let us, therefore, commit to training and providing models of excellence for our youth.
“Let us care for, value and honor our elders. Let us be more tolerant and respectful of one another. Let us aspire together to achieve the ideal embodied in our indigenous name, Hairoun, Home of the Blessed.”
Independence celebrations for Vincentians in the New York Metropolitan Area culminate with a Flag Raising Ceremony and later, on Tuesday, the inaugural Lighting of the Hudson Bridge in New York in the national colors of the country– gold, green and blue – takes place from dusk to dawn.
The Empire State Building in New York will also be lit with the national colours of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
CMC/nk/ir/2026