All set for Independence Day parade

Barbados is ready to celebrate its 58th Anniversary of Independence with a grand parade on Saturday, with organisers confirming that all preparations are complete.

Public Relations Officer with the Barbados Defence Force, Lieutenant Shimar Gollop told a team from Barbados TODAY, who visited to take in the final preparations on Thursday, that there will be 919 participants representing 19 organisations from both armed and unarmed units taking part in this year’s parade, which follows months of planning and rehearsals.

“Today has been going quite well; persons on parade are quite eager, detachment commanders are all prepared, and you can look forward to a very good and exciting parade come Saturday,” she said.

This year’s parade commander will be the Commanding Officer of the Barbados Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Julia DaBreo. Acting Senior Superintendent Christine Stanford of The Barbados Police Service will serve as the parade’s second-in-command, making history as the first female of the Barbados Police Service to be in that position. Supporting them will be Captain Natalie Haynes of the Barbados Regiment, serving as parade adjutant.

The first troops are expected to march onto the parade square at Kensington Oval just after 7 a.m.

A key highlight of the celebration will be a tribute to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress and a trailblazer with Barbadian roots. Other highlights include the presentation of leadership badges to the head girls and head boys of the island’s primary and secondary schools and the presentation of national honours and awards. (RG)