Mr. Justice Barry Carrington was sworn in as an acting High Court Judge by President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, at State House.

After a brief ceremony, Mr. Carrington expressed his commitment to “redouble” his efforts and continue working hard for the citizens of the country.

He said he was grateful to have been given an opportunity to continue on contract for three years, as today would have been his last day as an appointed High Court Judge, since his retirement date would have been tomorrow, on his birthday.

“So, it will be a continuation of the work that I have started. In the last five-and-a-half years, I worked…hard. I believe I added value; I love my job, and…I welcome this opportunity….

“I’m deeply honoured to be asked to stay on for another three years…to continue doing the work that I have started. So, I’m going to redouble my efforts and work equally as hard in the interest of the people of Barbados,” Mr. Carrington promised.  

Those witnessing the administering of the oaths included Chief Justice Leslie Haynes; Mr. Carrington’s wife, Hortence; daughter, Tamara; and granddaughter, Zaria. (PR/GIS)

CAPTION: Mr. Justice Barry Carrington being sworn in as an acting High Court Judge by President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, at State House, today. Looking on is the President’s Private Secretary, Sandra Watkins

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.