Barbados celebrates 57 years of independence

 

The Usain Bolt Sports Complex was transformed into a beacon of national pride and excellence earlier today as Barbados celebrated its 57th anniversary of independence.

It was a spectacle to behold as uniformed armed and unarmed troops paraded before President of Barbados Dame Sandra Mason, Prime Minister Mia Mottley and other dignitaries.

The pomp and pageantry on display were at their zenith and the melodies, rhythms and harmonies that made up the locally composed music played by the mass band, symbolised the Barbadian devotion to country and national identity.

During her speech, Mottley said that Barbados was the “best little rock that this world has ever seen” and the island was characterised by certain principles that allowed it to punch above its weight.

Despite the hardships that faced the island over the past years, she encouraged Barbadians to be thankful that the small island state was able to showcase resilience and strength.

“We must give thanks because we haven’t gotten here by accident. But we have weathered some of the most difficult times in the last few years. And we stand tall and proud on this sunny day of our 57th anniversary of independence . . . As we give thanks, let us also remember that the journey is not over. And if the journey is not over, we will do well always to recollect purpose and mission. We will do well to remember the principles that hold and unite our nation together. And I ask us to pay tribute to those principles, the commitment to pride and industry in our motto, to excellence as we have seen in the distribution of medals and awards today,” she said.

“On this 57th anniversary, I ask us therefore as people of this proud nation, of this proud republic, that we remember the basics. Be grateful and be full of grace. Be committed and be constant in our purpose . . . I want equally to recognise that beyond excellence, our commitment to social justice and social unity, to caring for each other, that these things matter, not just in the affairs of state, but indeed, in the daily practice of our lives as we engage with each other, family to family, friends, work colleagues, and indeed the stranger in the street. These are the principles that have sustained generations of Barbadians before us and must still do so today.”

The Prime Minister also said that the hard work and dedication of Barbadians to overcome the economic challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic was bearing fruit as this year, “Barbados has been adjudged as the fifth fastest growing economy in the entire world”.

Stating that this was no easy feat, she said, Barbados, despite its small size, has shown it was a force to be reckoned with.

“That has not come by accident. That has come by the sacrifice and of the hard work and the commitment to industry and the commitment to inclusive growth that we have put. We have known what it is to do things that people said shouldn’t be done . . .”

As she concluded her remarks, Mottley asked those in the audience, who decorated the stands at the complex in yellow and blue, to join her as she blessed the nation.

“I ask us now to stand and give three cheers to our great nation and to remember those who could not be with us today. But to have them at the centre of our thoughts, because Barbados is not only our country, Barbados is, and please forgive me, the best little rock that this world has ever seen. God bless Bim. Hip hip, hip, hip hip! God bless Bim on Independence Day.”

During the national independence ceremony, 35 outstanding citizens received national honours.

Among them were advocate for the disabled community Kerryann Ifill, the first woman to serve as President of the Senate from 2012 to 2018, the first person with a disability and the youngest ever to hold the post; the current President of the Senate, Reginald Farley, who has a distinguished career as a policymaker, diplomat, leader of industry and accountant; and banking and insurance giant Dodridge Miller, who had an exceptional career in the local and regional banking and financial sector.

These remarkable individuals received the highest national honour-The Order of Freedom of Barbados.

Ordinary Barbadians who made a national impact also were conferred honours.

Philanthropist and founder of  Fishers of Men Charity Sharon Bellamy-Thompson received a Barbados Service Medal.

Following the ceremony, the fish vendor who has become a staple at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex, told Barbados TODAY that she was thankful.

“I didn’t expect it and I am very grateful that all the hard work has paid off,” she said thanking all her sponsors and well-wishers for their contributions, which ensured she was able to feed the homeless for over 35 years.

Marlon Van Wick Tempro, a public service vehicle operator, who transports passengers along the Oistins, Christ Church route, was conferred a Barbados Bravery Medal.

Tempro received a standing ovation as chief executive officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts-Reifer outlined  why he was bestowed with the award. He received loud screams and a long round of applause as he collected his award.

Tempro told Barbados TODAY that words could not describe how he felt.

“Honestly, I am speechless, I was not looking for this. I am very grateful and humble,” he said.

In July, two young men held the ZR driver at gunpoint in an attempted robbery while he was at work. Tempro courageously got himself out of hot water and lived to tell the story. (SZB)