NATIONAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE THIS SUNDAY

Barbadians from all walks of life are being urged to attend this year’s National Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, an event organisers say is intended to promote unity, reflection, and national renewal through shared faith and culture.

The service will take place at the Wildey Gymnasium in the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex at 10 a.m.

Speaking during Tuesday’s media launch at the BTMI headquarters in Warrens, Bishop Marlon Jones, a member of the planning committee, said the theme — Transforming our Nation Through Faith, Hope and Love — highlights the importance of collective participation in building a stronger Barbados.

“When we speak about a nation, we’re not just speaking about the people who are conducting the service. We’re speaking about the involvement of everyone within the country,” he said. “So the appeal is to Barbados, no matter what religion, what faith, whatever your thing is, the appeal is for you to come on Sunday at the Gymnasium.”

Jones said the service is designed to reflect Barbados’ rich multicultural and multi-faith identity, and will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.

A diverse programme is planned, featuring performances from Queen’s College, the Youth Advance Corps, the Irving Wilson School, and a steel pan presentation. Faith leaders from across the religious spectrum will take part, with prayers from the Muslim and Hindu associations, the Jewish community, the Barbados Council for the Disabled and the Baha’i faith.

The sermon will be delivered by newly consecrated Moravian bishop, Bishop Ezra Paris.

Organisers have also arranged special bus services to ensure easy access. Buses will leave the Princess Alice Terminal via the Granville Williams Terminal from 8:30 a.m. Additional services will depart Six Roads at 8:30 a.m. and the Speightstown Terminal along Highway 1, all at the standard $3.50 fare.