Barbadians at home and abroad were yesterday encouraged to partake in the varied planned events as the country celebrates its 60th anniversary of Independence and fifth anniversary as a republic.
Attorney General and chair of the celebrations committee, Wilfred Abrahams, gave the rallying call during a press conference at Ilaro Court, held to launch the National Calendar of Independence celebrations.
Abrahams noted that Barbadians can expect a full programme of national activities that cater to the history, culture and community of the country.
“We want Barbadians of every age and in every community to feel that there is a place for them in this celebration. So much of our progress began with ordinary people determined to give their children a better life. Their achievement belongs to all of us. Barbados at 60 and five [as a republic] will embrace the whole of our story, including the painful chapters of enslavement and struggle,” he said.
The calendar of events will feature a number of campaigns such as Let Me Paint Barbados and the National Clean It Campaign where communities were invited to beautify their spaces.
Culture
Meanwhile the Bridging the Gap lecture series, historical commemorations, the Food and Rum Festival, and the NIFCA Gala will inject a dose of culture and heritage into the mix.
There will also be traditional showcases such as the lighting ceremony, along with the Independence and Republic Concert, the National Ceremonial Parade, the presentation of national honours, the Spirit of the Nation show and the National Service of Thanksgiving.
Additionally, through My Voice, My Barbados, primary, secondary and tertiary students will be able to share their ideas and vision for the country in an oratory competition.
Rounding out the ambitious celebrations will be the Prime Minister’s Football Cup Finals which will spotlight the women’s division for the first time since its inception three years ago.
Abrahams highlighted that these were not solely a Government event and welcomed businesses, churches and communities to add celebrations of their own to the occasion.
“This is your calendar. There’s more than enough room for your events. We welcome schools, businesses, churches and community organisations to bring their own activities forward. Your creativity can help make this celebration feel at home in every parish.
“We also want to encourage a personal promise to Barbados . . . your very own pledge to this nation that we love. It could be teaching a young person a skill, spending time with an elderly neighbour or starting a family habit that brings everyone closer.
“Show something that you know you can do, that you know you can follow through with and invite somebody else to join you. This moment gives us a chance to renew our pride in this country and our commitment to one another. We can carry this spirit into the way we care for our surroundings, keep our promises and use our talents to make life better,“ he added.
Alongside the presentation of National Independence Honours, this year will see the Barbados Diamond Anniversary Honours established to commemorate the diamond jubilee celebrations.
Cabinet secretary Selma Green explained that the honour is bestowed upon citizens who have shown exceptional service and achievement and contributed significantly to national development and nation building. Persons who already hold a national honour or decoration are not eligible.
Green appealed for Barbadians to recognise those who have shown the qualities befitting the honours both at home and abroad.
“Somewhere in Barbados and somewhere in our diaspora is a person who has given years of service without seeking recognition, whose contribution has transformed lives and whose example reflects the very best of who we are. You may know that person.
“Let us ensure that in this historic year, those who have helped Barbados move upward and onwards know that their country sees them, values them and is grateful for their service,” she added.
Nominations for both the National Independence Honours and the Barbados Diamond Anniversary Honours will close on Friday, September 25.
(JRN)
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