Barbadians Encouraged To Support Independence Celebrations

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Joy Adamson, invited Barbadians to “come out and be part of the moment” as the island ushers in its 59th year of Independence with the Lighting Ceremony and Bajan Brew held last Saturday, November 1, in Independence Square, Bridgetown.

Speaking at Parliament Buildings during a media briefing, Mrs. Adamson said the event, which begans at 5:30 p.m., marks the official launch of month-long celebrations.

“We want people to come out in their national colours and experience the energy for themselves,” she said. “You can watch it online, but nothing beats being there and feeling the atmosphere.”

The programme will showcase performances from parish ambassadors and entertainers, including Billy Kincaid, Tony Grazette, Mike Grosvenor, Ishiaka McNeil, Lil Rick, and Mikey.

Over 14 buildings and areas in Bridgetown – among them the Chamberlain Bridge, Swing Bridge, and Boardwalk – will be illuminated in national colours. Each parish will also feature at least one landmark building lit in blue, yellow, and black, alongside decorated community centres and roundabouts across the island.

“Every year Barbadians look forward to seeing the island aglow,” the Permanent Secretary noted. “This year we’re ensuring that pride and colour reach every corner of Barbados.”

To ensure accessibility, a shuttle service will run between Lower Broad Street and the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal, while designated police car parks will be open to the public.

The Lighting Ceremony and the Bajan Brew concert will be streamed live on CBC TV and the Barbados Government Information Service’s You Tube channel, thebgis.

Meanwhile, representative of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Force Sergeant Major MCPO 1, Austin Howell, announced that the annual Remembrance Day Parade will take place on Sunday, November 9, at National Heroes Square, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The parade will feature units from the BDF, The Barbados Police Service, Coast Guard, Cadet Corps, Barbados Fire Service, Barbados Prison Service, and youth organisations, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. A visiting detachment from the Royal Navy’s HMS Trent will also join this year’s proceedings.

Six official wreaths will be laid by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; Chief Justice, The Most Honourable Leslie Haynes, Leader of the Opposition, Ralph Thorne; Commissioner of Police, The Honourable Richard Boyce; and the Chief of Staff, Brigadier The Most Honourable Carlos Lovell, followed by tributes from the diplomatic corps and local organisations. 

The Independence Day Parade will cap off the month’s activities on November 30 at Kensington Oval, featuring the installation of President-elect Lieutenant Colonel The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic and the presentation of national honours. (PR/GIS)