Voluntary service is critical to the building of any society!

This was the strong message educator Victor Grant shared with the media after receiving his Pride of Barbados Award from President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, at State House, today.

Nine of the 11 persons on the St. Joseph We Gatherin’ 2025 Honours List were bestowed with their Pride of Barbados Awards. They are Ryan Brathwaite, Cleophas Gamble, Pastor Albert Gill, Victor Grant, Ava Griffith, Caleb Hinkson, Harold Hinkson, Ronald Mayers, and Ethelbert Maynard. Velma Stoute and diaspora awardee Sandra Taitt-Eaddy were not present.

Dame Sandra congratulated the recipients and said they deserved the accolades for their outstanding work in the community.

Mr. Grant, who spent about 40 years in the teaching service, said he felt “really happy and honoured” to have received the award. He added that he eagerly served, not expecting anything in return, but was grateful that his hard work had been recognised.

“Although I was not assigned in St Joseph, I did lessons free of cost for many of the young people in St. Joseph over the years, and when I reflect on many of their lives now, it’s really an honour and a privilege that I did it….

“One of the important things in building any society is for voluntary service to be a very important and vital part of it…. I would encourage others to serve without looking for any rewards. The rewards will come, but the important thing is the service that you give,” he underscored.

Retired nurse and midwife, Ava Griffith, who will be 66 years old tomorrow, described herself as a community person at heart, with an open-door policy. She continues to teach in the community and is involved in the St. Joseph Parish Independence Committee.

Mrs. Griffith has given selfless service over the years and was one of the first people on the scene of the Joe’s River mass casualty event, which occurred 17 years ago.

She said it was an honour to have been nominated for the award. “My door is always open; my telephone is always available to anybody in my district, and they know that,” she stressed.

Ryan Brathwaite, who was recognised for his service and upliftment of the parish through community restoration, youth, and elderly outreach, as well as unwavering support for education, sports, and culture, said he was “humbled” by the award.

“I’m 36 years old, so to be recognised at 36 for community service, I think, is a humbling experience. I just want to give God thanks and praise for all that He’s done for me and imparting me with the resources to help my community and my alma maters, and it is something that I will continue to do,” Mr. Brathwaite stated.

Caleb Hinkson, who was described as “undertaking quiet acts of kindness and compassion”, which “profoundly improved lives”, said he too was pleased and “very humbled” to receive the Pride of Barbados Award.

He said he poured his heart into assisting persons, not for recognition, but to serve his community and fellow man.

Mr. Hinkson continued: “I think I got my giving nature from my mother. She would give her last and go without so that somebody else’s need could be satisfied. So, I think, if it is one thing that I inherited from her, it is that. 

“I want to say to all Barbados…just do something to help somebody. If you can do something to help somebody, then our living and our purpose here would not be in vain.” (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason (sixth from right); Attorney General, Dale Marshall (sixth from left) and Director of the We Gatherin’ 2025 Secretariat, Senator John King (fifth from left), with the St. Joseph awardees (left to right) – Ryan Brathwaite; Caleb Hinkson; Cleophas Gamble; Pastor Albert Gill; Ava Griffith; Victor Grant; Ethelbert Maynard; Harold Hinkson and Ronald Mayers

FOR THE CONSTITUENCY OF ST JAMES NORTH

The by election to elect a member to serve the constituency of St James North will take place on May 21, 2025.

Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, Freedom of Barbados, Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, Dame of St. Andrew, Senior Counsel, Doctor of Laws, President of Barbados, has consented to the announcement of National Honours on the occasion of the We Gatherin’ 2025 National Celebrations. 

Awards of National Honours for We Gatherin’ 2025

Pride of Barbados

‘A person who is a citizen of Barbados or is entitled to be registered as a citizen of Barbados; or is a permanent resident of Barbados and through sacrifice, diligence and dedication to service has made an outstanding contribution to community life in a parish in Barbados or to the improvement of economic and social conditions in a parish in Barbados.’

(Number of awards: Ten (10) persons who reside in the parish of St. Joseph and One (1) person who resided in the parish of St. Joseph.)

Local Awardees 

• Mr. Ryan Renaldo Brathwaite 

A man of faith and selfless service, for his upliftment of the parish of St. Joseph through community restoration, youth and elderly outreach, and his unwavering support for education, sports and culture. His work at Hillview Centre, Edgecliff Church, and St. Joseph Primary exemplifies his outstanding dedication and integrity, making him a beacon of hope and a model citizen.

• Mr. Cleophas Henry Gamble 

From humble beginnings he has created a legacy of service and entrepreneurship in St. Joseph. Through his garage, car rental, mentorship, and charitable acts, he has empowered others and improved lives and livelihoods within his community. His selfless dedication, especially in times of need, reflects a life of purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment to community development.

• Pastor Albert Arrindal Cecil Gill

Affectionately known as Brother for his longstanding service to the St. Joseph community for over fifty years with humility, wisdom, and compassion. As a spiritual guide, counsellor, and mentor, he has selflessly inspired generations through quiet acts of service, steadfast leadership at Airy Hill Gospel Hall, and unwavering dedication to nurturing and supporting others especially the youth.

• Mr. Victor Trevor Sylvestor Grant 

For his dedication to improving community life through education and volunteerism. Though not formally assigned to a primary school in St. Joseph, he selflessly tutored many local children in the parish and prepared them for examination.  For his unswerving commitment as an avid agriculturist and active community member, empowering youth, caring for the elderly, supporting local events, and generously sharing knowledge and advice.

• Mrs. Ava Yvette Griffith

For her volunteerism and yeoman service to her community as a retired nurse and midwife serving with unwavering compassion and skill. A beloved mentor and caregiver, for her outstanding support through health education, nursing instruction and emergency response, “Auntie Ava” exemplifies selfless service and is known as one of the first persons at the scene of the Joe’s River mass casualty, rendering assistance to those in need. 

• Mr. Caleb Haldane Hinkson

For his unwavering and true community spirit through tireless, hands-on service. For his philanthropy from painting and power washing homes to repairing roofs after hurricanes and ensuring others receive proper healthcare. His dedication knows no bounds, he always put others first as he undertakes quiet acts of kindness and compassion that have profoundly improved lives and strengthened community bonds in his parish.

• Mr. Harold Wendell Hinkson 

For his outstanding commitment to the enrichment of St. Joseph through his contributions to the development of sports, historical preservation, and charitable giving. A former cricketer turned administrator, he fostered community spirit and camaraderie through sporting competitions in the parish. Known as the resident historian he is a repository of local knowledge and traditions, his quiet generosity and passion for heritage and youth advancement continue to inspire.

• Mr. Ronald St. Clair Mayers

As a retired lifeguard and employee of the National Conservation Commission, for his dedication to safeguarding the beaches of Bathsheba and Barclays Park, local seabathers and visitors alike. In retirement, for his selfless service to maintaining public spaces in pristine condition, to caring for the elderly, and preserving the church graveyard. His quiet dedication, community spirit, and unwavering commitment to cleanliness and care reflect a life of true service.

• Mr. Ethelbert Alonza Maynard

For decades of unstinting service as a creative to uplift and empower St. Joseph communities. For his philanthropy and outstanding contributions as a gifted designer, who has generously provided uniforms and garments—free of cost—for students, athletes, and Parish Ambassadors. Known for his compassion and steadfast commitment to assisting the less fortunate, his quiet acts of service continue to make a positive lasting impact parish-wide.

• Ms. Velma Celeste Stoute

For her significant contributions to the socio-economic development of St. Joseph. As a proprietor of Velma’s Place in Bragg’s Hill she has made significant contribution the tourism and food and beverage industries and enriched her parish through her culinary excellence and warm hospitality. For over two decades, she has championed authentic Bajan cuisine, attracting locals and tourists alike. Her dedication to preserving cultural traditions and supporting community life has made her a beloved figure and a pillar of the parish’s identity.

Diaspora Awardees

• Mrs. Sandra Taitt-Eaddy

For her years of dedicated service championing the cultural preservation and promoting St. Joseph through her dynamic virtual platform. Her tireless work and charitable outreach in the areas of housing and the provision of water have strengthened community ties, supported local tourism and improved the socio-economic circumstances of residents. Through her advocacy for heritage and her concerted efforts she has inspired pride, unity, and global awareness of the people, history, and natural beauty of the parish. (PR/GIS)