The government confirmed on Friday that November 30 will continue to be celebrated as Independence Day, bringing final closure to the ongoing public debate about whether that date should instead be observed as Republic Day.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams said there should be no confusion as to what the day represents.
“Independence Day and the day we became a republic fall on exactly the same day,” he told journalists at a press conference held at Parliament on Friday.
“Some accept that republican status is effectively the culmination of independence. Our independence journey started on the 30th of November 1966 and it went to the next stage when we became a republic. So I can tell you that this year we call it Independence Day as it has always been.”
The minister sought to clarify a long-running national discussion about whether Barbados should mark both milestones separately or merge the commemorations. Abrahams stressed that the focus remains on national pride: “There’s no confusion in the minds of the average Bajan that we’re celebrating all aspects of our independence, which include the actual separation from Britain and our own declaration of ourselves as an independent republic with a homegrown Barbadian head of state.”
While the government is preparing a full calendar of Independence activities, many businesses have already shifted into Christmas mode. Acknowledging the trend, Abrahams said: “Businesses will look at their bottom line, and people can’t wait to get their Christmas activities going. We as a government can only do what we can. We encourage the media and the radio stations to play a majority of Barbadian music, especially in the last two weeks up to Independence. But quite frankly, we cannot control a person’s level of participation.”
The ministry has reached out to Bridgetown businesses and commercial entities responsible for public spaces to encourage them to participate in national decorations and lighting, noting that Independence remains the focus of government efforts, he said. “I personally came up in a house where no Christmas decorations went up until Independence was done. So Independence was the focus, and there used to be a culture of that once upon a time. But now you’re hearing Christmas music playing in September.”
This year’s Independence festivities are expected to cost about $1 million, covering activities across the island. According to Abrahams, the celebrations will feature a strong patriotic theme and will incorporate the final events of We Gatherin’, the year-long community and parish initiative that concludes with St Michael in November.
He said We Gatherin’ had successfully rekindled parish pride and community spirit: “I can simply point to the participation in events that were under the We Gatherin’ banner. I’ve seen people come out to events I haven’t seen before. There’s been a great rivalry between parishes and between communities. The success of We Gatherin’ is evident for anybody who has gone to any activities.”
Abrahams also disclosed that the government will publish a formal monitoring and evaluation report on We Gatherin’ once the final month’s activities conclude. “There is a formal monitoring and evaluation of the events and activities report relating to We Gatherin’, and there will be a report compiled after We Gatherin’ has finished and the results will be shared with the public. But it can only be done after We Gatherin’ is finished.”
The minister added that the sense of unity fostered through We Gatherin’ had reignited interest in national celebrations: “We’ve had a very good year nationally. We had a safe Crop Over, a fantastic CARIFESTA that exceeded all expectations, and we’re just looking for what’s next. And what’s next happens to be Independence.”
He noted that the inauguration of President-elect Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic on Independence Day is also generating heightened anticipation.
“He was the voice of reason, the voice of strength during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Abrahams said. “A lot of Barbadians looked up to him, trusted him and respected his guidance during that period. And I think Barbadians are excited to see him take the highest office in the land.”
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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