Students of Ellerton Primary School were encouraged to see themselves as future leaders during a spirited flag-raising ceremony held on Monday, on the school grounds in St George.
Youth advocate Taahir Bulbulia set the tone with an energetic call-and-response, urging the children to shout their greetings proudly. “Good morning Ellerton Primary School,” he said, smiling as the students echoed him loudly.
He told them the ceremony was an important moment in the independence season, praising the initiative for helping to “build the spirit of independence and national consciousness and citizenship.”
Bulbulia challenged the students to reflect on their role as young Barbadians, asking: “What does it mean to be a Barbadian… what can I do to contribute to my country? How can I make my school and this place that I come to a much better place?”
He encouraged them to recognise their own potential: “ You’re no longer waiting on your parents, you’re no longer waiting on your teachers, but you are seeing yourself as a leader to fix some of these challenges that we have.”
Using examples from everyday school life, he reminded them that leadership also means helping one another.
“One of your classmates may be having a challenge, but you have a responsibility to help them,” he said, also urging them to stand up against littering, bullying and other issues that may be in their communities and households.
Bulbulia pushed the students to dream boldly, asking for budding athletes, singers and artists to raise their hands. He told them to strive to be the best — the “next Rihanna” or a soldier “better than Mr Ellis”— as he gestured to Corporal Magrery Ellis of the Barbados Defence Force, who raised the national flag in the ceremony.
Principal Karen Sealy-Cox gave students a brief history of that night, recalling that on November 30, 1966, “Mr Errol Walton Barrow became the first Prime Minister of Barbados.” and the national anthem by Irving Burgie and C. Van Roland Edwards “was played for the first time.” She also reminded them that the national pledge, written by Lester Vaughan, was recited for the first time as the flag was raised. The flag’s design was done by Grantley Prescod who won $500 for it.
After repeating the national pledge and singing the national anthem, the flag was raised.
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 59th year of independence on Sunday and enters the 60th, Bulbulia urged students to carry the same “energy” into their classrooms, homes and communities.
“You all will be the future leaders of this country,” he said. “Y’all will carry Barbados’ story.”
He also wished the best to students preparing for the 11-Plus exam, reminding them: “Put your best foot forward and make Barbados a better place.”
(LE)
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