Barbadians are being encouraged to come out and show their national pride over the next few days as the 58th Independence Anniversary Celebrations come to a climax this week.

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, speaking at Golden Square Freedom Park, where the Independence Concert is being held tomorrow, Thursday, November 28, noted that there are many activities left on the Independence calendar.

Stating that “it has been a fantastic uptake so far” for Independence celebrations, he said: “We are in the final countdown to Independence, and everything is heating up…. There is just so much left to do. The schedule is packed; there are many, many events; there are the private events; there are the community events; and then there are the national events.”

Minister Abrahams also announced the official opening of the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre slated for today, Thursday, November 28, at 5:30 p.m. in Queen’s Park.

“It is a spectacular space for the arts; it has a historical connection right back to Golden Square. It is a small amphitheatre once again, to expand the open spaces, the public spaces to encourage the arts, to encourage community participation, and that event is shaping up very, very nicely.

“That is going to be opened by the Prime Minister. Immediately following the opening of the amphitheatre, we are trekking our way … to the venue of the Annual Independence Concert,” he said.

“We are in the final countdown to Independence, and everything is heating up…. There is just so much left to do. The schedule is packed; there are many, many events; there are the private events; there are the community events; and then there are the national events.”Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams

The Home Affairs Minister also disclosed that this year’s concert will be held in Golden Square Freedom Park. He added that he and his team of organisers are maximising the space where the setup and layout will be displayed in a way never before seen by the public.

 “It is the perfect venue for this year’s concert. I’m excited to see the performers on the big stage. We are covering the gamut with the performers…. We’re having the established ones like Red Plastic Bag, and we’re having some new, upcoming artistes. We’re having people that you have probably never even heard of before, but who will be on your radar very, very shortly. It’s a packed programme for the Independence concert,” he stated.

Mr. Abrahams said that within the last couple of years, the Independence concert was very well received. He stressed that it has always been one of the highlights of the Independence celebrations, and this year, “it is heading to be even bigger and even better”.

“There’s a lot to do. I’m telling people to come out. All of our events are family- friendly. Every single thing that we put on for the Independence celebrations has been family-friendly. Bring out your family, … bring all your friends…. There’s something in here for everybody; it is going to be epic. I cannot wait for Independence,” he remarked.

When asked about the Independence Day Parade, Minister Abrahams said, the final dress rehearsal is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, November 28.

“The parade is shaping up very, very well. It is going to be what you expect. It is going to be the greatest military spectacle that we as Barbadians put on. We have the armed units on parade, the unarmed units. We’re doing it by tickets again this year, that’s just to control the seating…and I am amazed at the uptake on the tickets.”

He said the tickets for the parade are free, and encouraged Barbadians to come out in their numbers. “There may be some surprises in store for Barbadians, but you know what? That’s why you call them surprises. I can’t tell you, you will see. Come to the parade,” he urged.

Minister Abrahams also mentioned that the finals of the Prime Minister’s Football Cup will be held on Saturday afternoon. 

“Kensington is going to be ready to host the finals of the Prime Minister’s Cup in the afternoon. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the first match is a Master’s match, that’s at six o’clock before we then shift into the rest of the event…. It’s going to be top-quality football with the two teams who qualified. And if we thought Independence tickets were going flying out the door, then the tickets for the Prime Minister’s Cup are of a high, high demand. It is amazing.

“The interest this has generated in terms of local football…there have been thousands coming out to matches, and the persons who are calling for tickets and who requested tickets, and the uptake on the tickets has been nothing short of phenomenal. I think we’re probably going to see a record attendance for any event at Kensington for the Prime Minister’s Cup,” he expressed. 

According to Minister Abrahams, this event is kid and family-friendly, and all are encouraged to bring their children to be a part of the Kids’ zone, which will include jumping tents and face painting.