Sagicor Life Renews Partnership For National Lighting Ceremony

Barbados is set to shine brightly this Independence season, as Sagicor Life Inc. renews its long-standing partnership with Government, through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, to sponsor the 2025 National Lighting Ceremony.

The $30,000 sponsorship cheque was officially handed over to the Ministry this morning, signalling Sagicor’s continued commitment to supporting national celebrations and community development.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, expressed appreciation to Sagicor Life Inc. for its steadfast partnership, noting that this marks 29 years of collaboration between the company and  Government, in bringing light, beauty, and unity to the nation.

“This year, we return to Independence Square to officially flip the switch and light up the capital. We expect many more lights than before, spreading brightness and joy across the island,” Mr. Griffith said.

“Beyond the lights, this ceremony is symbolic; it is about reigniting our humanity and reconnecting with our young people and communities. We thank Sagicor for helping us to keep that light shining,” he continued.

The Minister also revealed that all 11 parishes would benefit from lighting installations this year. Selected locations include:

• St. Lucy: St. Clement’s Church
• St. Peter: All Saints Anglican Church
• St. James: Westmoreland Church of the Nazarene
• St. Andrew: A. Dacosta Edwards Primary School
• St. Joseph: Hillcrest Community Centre
• St. Thomas: St. Thomas Post Office
• St. George: St. George Parish Church
• St. John: Gall Hill Pavilion
• St. Philip: Beulah Methodist Church
• St. Michael: Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School
• Christ Church: Hawthorne Methodist Church, Rendezvous

This year’s lighting ceremony will once again be complemented by a Bajan Folk Brew concert, which will feature a mix of youthful and seasoned performers, including Mikey, Lil Rick, Tony Grazette, Mike Grosvenor, and 2024 Junior Monarch and Spirit of the Nation Show winner, Kincaid. The entertainment segment will also highlight young talent from schools and the parish independence programmes.

Representing Sagicor Life Inc.,Vice President, Customer Experience, Tracey Knight-Lloyd, said the company was proud to continue its enduring partnership with the Ministry and people of Barbados.

“It is always a joy and an honour for Sagicor to stand in support of one of the most anticipated traditions on our national calendar, the National Lighting Ceremony. This year marks 29 years of brilliance.

“Almost three decades of illuminating our island, bringing communities together, and reminding us of what it means to be truly Bajan. When our communities shine, our nation shines,” Mrs. Knight-Lloyd stated.

She added that Sagicor’s involvement reflects the company’s wider commitment to nation-building through investments in youth, education, health, and community programmes that “bring out the best in us as a people”.

This year’s theme, Celebrating Our Communities: Re-engaging, Re-igniting and Re-imagining, is a continuation of last year’s focus. It encourages Barbadians to reconnect with their communities, rekindle national pride, and reimagine a bright, united future. 

The 2025 Lighting Ceremony will take place on Saturday, November 1, at 5:30 p.m. in Independence Square, Bridgetown. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Sagicor Life Inc.’s Vice President, Customer Experience, Tracey Knight-Lloyd, presents the $30,000 sponsorship cheque for the 2025 National Lighting Ceremony to Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith and Director of Youth Affairs, Cleviston Hunte.