The event showcases the inner reaches of Saint Lucia’s communities from each constituency around the island.

While the Minister said he won’t divulge the immediate details of the Relay ahead of its Jan. 28 launch, he did disclose that a new leg will be featured.

“I can tell them we have a surprise for them. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag but we will be doing a leg that has never been seen before in this year's Baton Relay. I'm quite excited. The people in the diaspora across the globe have been calling me and I tell them it is something to look forward to,” the Minister said.

Garnering millions of views across various social media platforms, Frederick says the Relay unites Saint Lucians ahead of Independence Day.

“It is one of the aspects of the Independence celebration that brings people together from across the political divide, across religious sects. Everybody wants to see what is new in the Baton Relay,” he explained.

He says the popularity of the Relay is encouraging the Ministry to make it a yearly occurrence.

“Last year we had one of the legs that attracted over half a million views, over half a million. So it tells you it speaks to the popularity of that event that sparks off the independent celebrations.”

The Relay this year will commence on the Forestierre Playing Field in the constituency of Castries South East.