San Fernando is set to commemorate its 37th anniversary as a city on November 18 with a series of events highlighting its rich cultural heritage and civic achievements. The celebrations, under the patronage of Mayor Robert Parris, will include an interfaith service, the unveiling of public art, and a formal civic reception. Four distinguished individuals and an institution will be honored with the keys to the city for their contributions to culture, business, public service, and community legacy. The day will begin with an interfaith service at the Krishna Mandir, marking the first time in 37 years the service is held at a non-Christian place of worship. Mayor Parris emphasized the city’s multicultural identity, stating, ‘San Fernando is a multicultural society, and hosting the service at the mandir reflects the unique diversity that defines us.’ The unveiling of The First People’s Statue and a collection of promenade art by renowned artist Russell Banfield will follow, depicting the Harris Promenade across various eras. The celebrations will culminate with a civic reception at City Hall, where keys to the city will be presented to Joshua Regrello, Guinness World Record holder for the Longest Marathon Playing Steelpan; Imran ‘GI’ Beharry, a dominant force in Chutney Soca and Caribbean entertainment; Diane Seukeran, former San Fernando West MP and the first woman to lead the Energy Chamber; and JE Guide Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd, an 80-year-old institution. Mayor Parris also highlighted the revitalization of Harris Promenade, achieved through volunteerism and business sponsorship, without any city funds. He addressed recent public debates over charitable groups feeding the homeless on the Promenade, clarifying that food distribution must follow an ordered structure to ensure public health and safety. Despite reduced budget allocations, Parris noted San Fernando’s progress in cultural, infrastructural, tourism, and educational development. Plans include operationalizing the transfer of San Fernando Hill to the City Corporation and attracting cruise ship passengers via the Water Taxi from Port of Spain. Parris also welcomed the restoration of the long-abandoned Supreme Court building on the Promenade and appealed for urgent assistance to restore the burnt-out San Fernando Police Station and the Carnegie Free Library. Reflecting on the city’s history and culture, Parris expressed pride in leading San Fernando at this moment of renewed volunteerism and civic pride, wishing all residents a happy City Day and City Month.