Pomp on republic’s circumstance

Pomp, pageantry and a showcase of cultural splendour will be on full display in the days leading up to Independence Day on November 30 when Barbados makes the transition from a realm to a republic, a minister announced on Thursday.

And as the country continues to battle a third wave of COVID-19, full assurances have been given that antivirus protocols will be strictly enforced at all events and for all involved, including specially invited guests from the region and afar.

Charles, the Prince of Wales, heir to the throne, is to witness the end of nearly 400 years of Barbados’ unbroken link to the Crown along with several CARICOM leaders who have already confirmed their attendance, Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology, Senator Kay McConney, told journalists.

The climax of a series of official engagements will be on the eve of Independence Day, when the last viceroy, Dame Sandra Mason, is inaugurated Barbados’ first President on November 29.

The official events are to begin from November 23, with some being held in safe zones.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George told Barbadians that while there would be many celebrations to mark the historic event, numbers would still be capped.

Those in attendance would be required to present a vaccination certificate or a recent rapid antigen test to gain entry.

Dr George encouraged Barbadians to view the events from the comfort of their homes as a matter of safety.

He said: “As you know, we are in a COVID environment and therefore there should be no mass gatherings of persons at any of these events. Many of the events are for invited guests and those specially invited guests will be required to either be vaccinated and if they are not vaccinated they will be required to have a rapid antigen test within 24 to 36 hours of attendance of a function.

“For most persons, I would say in a COVID environment stay in the privacy of your homes and enjoy the celebrations. For the few persons who venture out please be mindful that when in public spaces you must at all times follow our basic protocols.”

Senator McConney said Parliament will debate the Barbados Charter between November 23 and 24, kicking off a week of activities that will be streamed online.

Highlights would include the official opening of Golden Square on November 27, which would see a maximum of 145 people in attendance, the National Service of Thanksgiving on November 28 at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, she said.

Senator McConney urged Barbadians to lend their support to the cause.

“Barbados we are encouraging all of you to put on your Barbados colours,” she said. “The Barbados colours will remain the same blue, aquamarine, gold and black, and even if you do nothing more than put these clothes on, wear your national colours and sit in your gallery or on your front step, we want you to be celebrating Barbados…We really and truly want you to participate and truly celebrate the spirit of this historic time and celebrate ourselves for this major step we are taking as a country.”

Cabinet Secretary Hughland Allman said several regional and international dignitaries had expressed an interest in taking part in the celebrations.

He said invitations had been extended to as far as Ghana and Liberia in West Africa.

Speaking specifically to the Prince of Wales, Allman said full military honours would be accorded to him as a representative of the monarchy when he arrives on November 29.

Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Commodore Errington Shurland said the Independence Day Parade would continue to be of high quality.

He said the President-elect and the Prince of Wales would both receive the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados award at the parade which would conclude with a fireworks display.

Commodore Shurland said there would also be a flotilla on November 28 that would include jet skis, fishing boats, pleasure craft and participation from the Barbados Coast Guard and Royal Barbados Police Force – soon to become the Barbados Police Service.

The flotilla sails from the Shallow Draught at the Bridgetown Port up to Carlisle Bay.

Chief Executive Officer at the National Cultural Foundation,  Carol Roberts, said there would be several initiatives and competitions to mark celebrations.

She said this included a mural project, and roundabout and community decorative projects. randybennett@barbadostoday.bb