Vibrant displays of music, marching bands, and the dynamism of Barbados’ youth took centre stage on Friday evening, as detachments from the Barbados Fire Cadets, Barbados YouthAdvance Corps, Girl Guides, and other organisations participated in the National Youth Parade at Kensington Oval.
Amid the celebration, the president of the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC), Caleb Brathwaite, used his address to call for deeper commitment and greater consistency from leaders and stakeholders in supporting young people.
“Two years ago, this National Youth Parade was born. Since then, our young people have walked a journey marked by trials and triumphs,” Brathwaite told the audience. “We have faced the harsh realities of climate change, the rate of personal struggles and the scars of loss. Some of us have lived through [being] God’s strongest soldier story moments. But yet here we are… still standing, resilient, hopeful, and determined.”
That resilience, he noted, has come at a heavy cost. The youth advocate spoke candidly about the devastating impact of gun violence and suicide on young Barbadians, revealing his own personal grief.
“We have lost too many young lives to suicide and that of violence — one is too many,” he said. “This is personal for me, having lost a cousin to gun violence last year. So when I say to the families of those who are mourning their loved ones that I know it, I feel it, I know your pain.”
Brathwaite stressed that the memories of those lost should strengthen national resolve to build safer communities and families, and to confront the scourge of gun violence with urgency.
At the same time, he underscored the need for young people to witness consistency from those who pledge to stand with them.
“Yet even as we celebrate this national parade, young people ask for one thing above all else – consistency,” he said. “If you promise to walk with us from A to D, then do that. If there’s a challenge or barrier, tell us, communicate. We are not asking for perfection… we are only asking for a partnership.”
The BYDC president called for unity, reminding leaders that the younger generation is not simply waiting for its turn but is already bearing the weight of national responsibility.
“Excellence shines brightest when built on unity,” Brathwaite stressed. “That is why I call on all Barbadians, regardless of colour, class, or political stripe, to unite for the prosperity of young people. This youth parade must remind leaders that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, we are the torch bearers of today.” (SB)
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