Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles is urging the Government to reconsider its decision to cancel the Independence Day Parade, a decision she views as detrimental to the country’s national identity and democracy. The cancellation announcement, made just hours before, was met with criticism from Beckles, who believes the move further pushes the country towards autocracy. Minister of Legal Affairs, Saddam Hosein, justified the cancellation, citing advice from National Security agencies about potential risks to top state officials. However, Beckles remains doubtful about the government’s rationale and dismissal of the parade’s patriotic, social and cultural importance.