Bajans encouraged to support Independence celebrations

Independence celebrations move into high gear from Thursday with key events to mark Barbados’ 58th anniversary of Independence, and Barbadians are being encouraged to attend and demonstrate national pride.

The activities will start with the opening of the Marcus Garvey Amphitheatre in Queen’s Park at 5:30 p.m.
and continue with the annual Independence Concert at the Golden Square Freedom Park.

Speaking at the park on Wednesday, Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams said he and his team of organisers are maximising the space where the setup and layout will be displayed in a way never before seen by the public.

“It is the perfect venue for this year’s concert. I’m excited to see the performers on the big stage. We are covering the gamut with the performers…. We’re having the established ones like Red Plastic Bag, and we’re having some new, upcoming artists. We’re having people that you have probably never even heard of before but who will be on your radar very, very shortly. It’s a packed programme for the Independence concert,” he said.

Abrahams said the concert, one of the highlights of the Independence celebrations, “is heading to be even bigger and even better” this year.

“There’s a lot to do. I’m telling people to come out. All of our events are family-friendly. Every single thing that we put on for the Independence celebrations has been family-friendly. Bring out your family, … bring all your friends…. There’s something in here for everybody; it is going to be epic,” he declared.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation, Carol Roberts said the public is in for a treat, with the concert showcasing the eclectic talent of Barbadian artists.

She noted that apart from Red Plastic Bag, performers include the reigning Pic-O-De-Crop Monarch, Adrian Clarke, Rupee, Tay, and entertainers from the hotel circuit such as Casheda Dottin, Shadia Marshall, and Alix Cage.

The next big event is the Independence Parade.

Abrahams said preparations are on track.

“The parade is shaping up very, very well. It is going to be what you expect. It is going to be the greatest military spectacle that we as Barbadians put on,” he said. “We’re doing it by tickets again this year – that’s just to control the seating…and I am amazed at the uptake on the tickets.”

Encouraging Barbadians to come out, the minister said: “There may be some surprises in store for Barbadians, but you know what? That’s why you call them surprises. I can’t tell you, you will see. Come to the parade.”

Another major event, the finals of the Prime Minister’s Football Cup, will take place on Saturday afternoon at Kensington Oval.

“And if we thought Independence tickets were flying out the door, then the tickets for the Prime Minister’s Cup are in high, high demand. It is amazing,” Abrahams said. “The interest this has generated in terms of local football…. There have been thousands coming out to matches, and the persons who are calling for tickets and who requested tickets, and the uptake on the tickets has been nothing short of phenomenal. I think we’re probably going to see a record attendance for any event at Kensington for the Prime Minister’s Cup.”

(BT)