We Gatherin’ 2025 Honours Celebrate St. James’ Finest

The parish of St. James shone brightly as 22 exemplary citizens and diaspora members received the Pride of Barbados Award during the We Gatherin’ 2025 National Celebrations, held under the patronage of Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados.

Government representative Chad Blackman hailed the honourees as “pillars of service and inspiration,” praising their collective decades of volunteerism, mentorship, and leadership across education, culture, sport, and community development.

This year’s recipients include:

• Mrs. Wendy Crailette Alleyne, J.P. – long-time educator and Salvation Army volunteer.

• Rev. Dr. Lucille Onita Baird, MBE, J.P. – champion for underserved youth, women, and the incarcerated.

• Mr. Charles Bernard Beckles – over 30 years of caring for the elderly and disabled.

• Ms. Susan Patricia Yvonne Bishop, J.P. – advocate for the elderly and indigent.

• Mr. Stephen Alec Brathwaite – cultural ambassador and mentor in the arts.

• Mr. Derek Errol “Coach Derek” Browne – sports and youth development leader.

• Mr. Taahir Ibn Suleiman Bulbulia – visionary youth leader and mentor.

• Mrs. Shirley Heather Anita Forde, J.P. – six decades of charity and family support.

• Mr. Athelson “Teddy” Griffith, J.P. – noted for philanthropy and pandemic outreach.

• Ms. Christina Maria Haynes – advocate for youth engagement and cultural preservation.

• Mrs. Samantha Wenda Hazlewood-Ermay – founder of The ThenWhat? Charity for youth and  vulnerable families.

• Mr. John Anderson Hutson – dedicated church and community servant.

• Mr. Audley Lamont Jordan, GCM, J.P. – entrepreneur and supermarket pioneer with a lifetime of philanthropy.

• Mrs. Marcia Margot Jordan-Shepherd – community philanthropist and youth supporter.

• Mrs. Nicole Natasha McKenzie, J.P. – football mentor and youth advocate.

• Ms. Sheena Michelle Ramsay – neighbourhood pharmacist and health advocate.

• Mrs. Sonia Ann Thompson-Alleyne, J.P. – Holetown Festival leader and cultural mentor.

• Ms. Sharllah Aleisha Naila Waithe – international human-rights and mental-health advocate.

• Mr. Ronald Rudolph Williams, J.P. – coordinator of 42 Neighbourhood Watch groups.

Diaspora Honourees

• Mr. Glynn Athelston St. Elmo Best – champion of education and community empowerment.

• Dr. Neval Tristan Grazette – youth cricket coach and volunteer leader.

• Ms. Elaine Veronica Hinkson – four decades of early-childhood education and family mentorship.

During interviews, several awardees expressed gratitude and renewed commitment to service. One recipient called for dedicated spaces where youth can share ideas and influence national policy, a sentiment warmly received by the audience.

The St. James ceremony is part of the island-wide We Gatherin’ 2025 programme, which celebrates Barbadians at home and abroad whose sacrifice, diligence, and dedication strengthen the social fabric of their communities.