President George Maxwell Richards led local and international dignitaries at the flag raising ceremony at Woodford Square, a stone throw from the country’s Parliament building, where 50 years ago, then Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams accepted the new Constitution from the Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal who read the message sent by Queen Elizabeth II, relinquishing her rule.

Cultural activities highlighted the event attended by several thousand nationals with a military parade planned for early Friday.

In his message, President Richards questioned whether or not the oil-rich twin island republic had become civilised.