One hundred people from 22 countries officially became Barbadians on Thursday and Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams says it will keep the island punching above its weight.
At a special induction ceremony held at Solidarity House, the group which included persons 24 to 90 years old pledged allegiance to this island.
Minister Abrahams welcomed them and sought to enlist their help in ongoing efforts to rebuild and rebrand Barbados following the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our Prime Minister is fond of talking about international citizens with Bajan roots and she keeps linking Barbados not just as a small country, but as an important player on the world stage. So, to have so many of you from so many diverse backgrounds, cultures and countries does my heart proud because it increases the diversity in Barbados, and this is what we are all about because the PM always says ‘many hands make light work’,” he said.
Abrahams noted that quite often the most dedicated and best citizen was “the one who has chosen to be a citizen”.
Acknowledging that there was a special contract between such people and Barbados, he said while there were various categories of citizenship, such as citizenship by descent, citizenship by naturalisation and citizenship by marriage, he called it “citizenship by choice”, and congratulated the 100 for “choosing Barbados”.
“You have joined us in the process of rebuilding and rebranding our nation. We value your various professions, ranging from painters, welders, hairdressers, climate scientists, professors, engineers, pilots, chefs, travel agents, radiographers and the list goes on…. Your choice to be Bajans is a strong indicator that with this well-blended mix of diverse experiences, cultures and careers, Barbados will keep punching above its weight….
“I am confident that with you being the newest additions to the family of Barbadians, this is going to help and keep us punching above our weight. As a family, we shall remain united and committed to the goal of rebuilding and rebranding Barbados as a safe, secure and choice destination,” the Home Affairs Minister said.
It was a special day for Barbados’s oldest newest citizen, 90-year-old Samuel Ryan who moved to the island in 2021 from Canada to be with his wife here.
He declared: “I love Barbados, the people are nice. God bless Barbados, it is the best country in the world.”
The youngest of the newest citizens, 24-year-old Kausir Lahk who moved from India in 2022, was also excited to be able to be called a Barbadian.
“When I came to Barbados, I was very nervous. When I put my foot on the airport I was so stressed out, but the people were so nice to me and it just made me feel as if ‘wow, I am always welcomed here’,” she said.
“I think that is the best thing about Barbados – people. When you go out, you are not scared, you are not worried, because they are always there to help you…. I will tell everybody that I am very, very lucky to be here, very happy.”
(SD)
