Lights on!

After two years of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions, the symbolic lighting ceremony returned to the national calendar to the delight of Barbadians who turned up in The City for the event.

The annual tradition drew the young and young at heart to National Heroes Square where Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith urged the country to “turn on your light for humanity”.

His remarks to the Sagicor-sponsored lighting ceremony also signalled the start of the month of celebrations to mark the first anniversary of Barbados becoming a Republic.

With President Dame Sandra Mason and other dignitaries present, Griffith acknowledged the importance of the occasion in the life of the country, in particular, as the nation exited the height of the pandemic. He stressed that in the present difficult times, it was important that citizens come together and show their humanity, even in the face of adversity.

“There are several reasons why people refuse to turn on that light. Arrogance plays a big part in that. We look at school, we look at money, we look at jobs, [and] we even look at bloodline. I am suggesting tonight to my ambassadors and to all of us, it’s time we trigger that light of humanity, and we flick the switch. Then those words ‘This is Who We Are’ would mean something in this country.

“Tonight yes we will celebrate all of the bright lights when that switch is thrown, but I am suggesting to you again, when you go home, turn on the light of humanity.” 

The evening’s ceremony featured many cultural performances, including those from spoken word artist Akeem Chandler-Prescod, and local songbird Kellie Cadogan who was backed by the Lester Vaughan School Choir. (SB)