HAVERFORDWEST was a hive of activity as hundreds of children from 14 schools sang and waved as they paraded through the town centre on Friday (Mar 7) to celebrate the Patron Saint of Wales.

Organised by the Pembrokeshire Language Forum and Pembrokeshire County Council, the annual parade has proved to be popular with schools and residents alike.

Led by the enthusiastic sounds of Samba Doc, the parade started from the top of town and children marched down High Street before looping through the town centre and ending at Picton Playing Fields, for an open-air jamboree.

Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “This was a wonderful event and it was fantastic to see schools from across Pembrokeshire taking part.”

Catrin Phillips, Welsh Language Development Officer, said: “A heartfelt thank you to the schools, organisations, volunteers, and everyone else who help make this yearly event such a success – it’s wonderful to see so many people coming together to celebrate our language and culture!”

THE WELSH and Irish governments have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the links between the two countries across the Irish Sea.

Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, met with Ireland’s Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail, and Ports, Sean Canney, in Dublin today to discuss the resilience of crossings between Wales and Ireland and how to secure their future.

Discussions focused on the terms of reference for a new task force, which will be confirmed shortly. Key areas of focus include resilience, contingency planning, and future developments.

Strengthening vital connections

Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates said: “The links between Wales and Ireland are highly valued, not only for economic reasons but also for cultural ties. The temporary closure of Holyhead port highlighted just how crucial this connection is.

“We will build on lessons learned over the past months, taking into account the work of Senedd and Parliamentary committees, to strengthen the resilience of these links and ensure the sustainability of our ports.

“It is vital that the Irish Government and industry have a voice in the task force’s work. Today’s discussions focused on ensuring their input, and I look forward to continuing this important collaboration.”

Ensuring long-term resilience

Minister Sean Canney welcomed the initiative, saying: “I am delighted to have met with Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates today to further strengthen the relationship between our governments, particularly in light of the recent disruption at Holyhead.

“I welcome the establishment of the Welsh task force to examine the long-term resilience of this crucial trade route between Dublin and Holyhead. As Minister with responsibility for international transport and logistics, I am committed to contributing to this important work.

“This task force will help ensure Ireland’s interests are represented and will shape recommendations to secure this vital economic link for the future.”

A 45-YEAR-OLD father from Whitland has been found not guilty of child cruelty following a decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discontinue the case.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his children, had been charged with assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting, or abandoning a child in a way that could cause unnecessary suffering or injury. He had denied the allegations and was set to stand trial on June 16.

The case was reviewed at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday (Mar 5), where prosecutor Dean Pulling confirmed that the CPS had decided not to proceed with a criminal trial. He explained that subjecting the children to the process was not deemed to be in the public interest.

“The matter will be addressed in the family court,” Mr Pulling stated, adding that the decision did not diminish the statements provided by the children.

With no evidence presented by the prosecution, Judge Catherine Richards formally recorded a not guilty verdict. She noted that the CPS had carefully considered its decision, clarifying that while the criminal case had concluded, it had no impact on the separate family court proceedings.