Straight from the Heart

A Night of Tribute to Dame Sandra Mason

Last Saturday night at Frank Collymore Hall in Bridgetown, a stirring concert titled “Straight from the Heart” brought together artists, dignitaries, and members of the public in a heartfelt celebration of former President Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason. The show was organised to honour the former Head of State whose tenure ended on November 29th 2025 her decades of leadership and service to Barbados as the nation’s first President following its transition to a parliamentary republic. 

The concert hall was filled with applause and emotion as Dame Sandra made her entrance, greeted by warm cheers from the audience. Attendees included cultural figures, community leaders, and citizens who came together to pay tribute to her legacy. 

Musical performances formed the core of the evening’s programme which was organised by retired policeman Ronald Cummins featuring the Barbados Police Band with a blend of local talent and special presentations that reflected the spirit of unity and national pride. The concert’s tone was one of gratitude and reflection — a fitting homage to a leader whose tenure guided dramatic constitutional change and strengthened Barbados’ identity on the world stage. 

Performers delivered pieces that resonated straight from the heart, like Climb every Mountain sung by Rachel Carter, Brian Carter, Dance with my father and children of the St Catherine’s Primary school performing a medley of folk songs, underscoring both the cultural richness of Barbados and the deep respect in which the former president is held. 

The evening’s atmosphere was celebratory and warm, blending artistic expression with a profound sense of national gratitude. For many attendees, the concert was more than just a performance — it was a communal expression of appreciation for Dame Sandra Mason’s service and a reminder of the enduring impact of her leadership. 

The most poignant note of the night was the rendition of the song by Frank Sinatra, My Way, by Colin Spencer which drew the oldest former assistant director of the Barbados Police Band at 97 years old to take the stage, with baton in hand, to direct the band.