PAHO Director receives Honorary Freedom of Barbados Award

Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Dr Carissa Etienne  was among thousands of individuals recognised for their  sterling contribution in the fight against COVID-19.

During the second Humanitarian Awards, Etienne received the Honorary Freedom of Barbados Award for the exemplary service provided to Barbados throughout that challenging period.

In her remarks she extended her gratitude stating, “I wish  sincerely to thank  the people and the Government of Barbados for the honour and privilege of being decorated with this prestigious award. I am grateful for the recognition but even more so for the opportunity to have served your Government and you the people of Barbados.”

In the ceremony, hosted at Kensington Oval on Sunday, recipients drawn from both the public and private sector were recognised  for the sacrifices that were made to ensure that the country was able to navigate the  period of uncertainty created by the ravages of the virus.

Among the awards distributed were the Humanitarian Medals, which were conferred on front-line workers who, despite the obvious risk to their own safety, persevered to ensure that the public could still have their basic needs met.

Humanitarian lapel pins were presented to those who worked in supporting roles on the front line and who played their part in reducing the impact of the virus.  The final category of awardees received Humanitarian plaques as an expression of appreciation for their generous donations to lessen the impact of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley also addressed the gathering and at the close she called for a moment of silence in memory of those who succumbed to the illness. This was followed by a rousing three cheers in acknowledgement of the awardee’s yeoman service.

The recipients and the specially invited guests enjoyed musical treats from students from local educational institutions. The line-up included University of the West Indies student Mikel Gooding, performing Damien Marvay’s Push and Go Through and Mya Sobers of the Alexandra School who delivered a chilling performance of Rihanna’s Lift Me Up. Barbados Community College instrumentalists Kaylee Allman and Jazaria Chandler entertained  on steel pan and flute with the song Slow Dance.

Awardees were afforded the opportunity to take an official picture with Dame Sandra Mason and Dr Etienne at the close of the ceremony. (STT)