By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Region 10 Administration will be investing $5 million in the 50th Independence Celebrations next month.Out of that amount, $3 million will be used for designing, constructing and showcasing of the float that will be participating in the parade to be held in Georgetown.

The region will also spend a significant amount in a massive cleanup campaign and in construction of public washroom facilities to accommodate the scores of visitors and the many social activities slated for that period.

Currently, a private citizen has commenced constructing a public washroom facility, and the Regional Administration expects more such facilities would be constructed.

Activities surrounding the 50th Anniversary Celebration will complement the Linden Town Week activities, which will commence on May 15th. For that period, Linden will become the hub of entertainment and tourism, and the Commemoration Committee said it is putting all things in place to make these events successful.

One of the challenges being faced currently is finding sufficient accommodation for the expected visitors.

The calendar of activities will conclude on the 23rd July with a magic show at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground.

The range of cultural activities will involve everyone in the region, including the elderly and school children. Steel pan, calypso singing, dancing, karaoke and drama are some of the cultural competitions to be expected. For the school children, there will be ‘Spelling B’ and debating competitions, as well as sporting activities.

A futsal competition will commence in March and run straight into May, with several teams from the region competing for prizes. A pageant will be held on May 14, 2016 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, and several delegates will be vying for the crown of Miss Independence.

The various events will take into consideration sports enthusiasts, party lovers and cultural aficionados.

On May 25, there will be an international artiste concert, and this event will run straight into the flag-raising ceremony. In contrast to previous years, the flag-raising ceremony will be held in front of the Regional Democratic Council, as that building holds the seat of Government in the region. On that same day 50 years ago, the flag was raised at the building which housed the council at that time.

The 50th Independence Celebration will also see the restoring of the town’s monuments, such as the Water Wheel and the Aluminum Plant.

The commemoration team of the Regional Democratic Council and the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Vybz Entertainment, will be working assiduously to make these calendar events successful and memorable.