Prominent Bajans recognised in Independence Day Honours

A retired Court of Appeal judge, a prominent entrepreneur, and a global public servant have been conferred with Barbados’ highest national honour for 2024.

Retired Justice Christopher Blackman, Richard Edghill, and Senator Elizabeth Thompson are this year’s recipients of the Order of Freedom of Barbados (OFB), as announced in the National Independence Day Honours List on Friday.

Justice Blackman is recognised for his distinguished judicial career as a Justice of Appeal and High Court Judge, his “exemplary service to Barbados, and his exceptional leadership” of the Constitutional Reform Commission. The first chairman of the Employment Rights Tribunal (ERT), he stepped down from that post to lead the commission.

The OFB, which is conferred for distinguished and extraordinary service to Barbados, the Caribbean, the Caribbean Diaspora, or humanity at large, also honours Thompson and Edghill for significant contributions in their respective fields.

Commenting on his award on the eve of Barbados’ 58th Anniversary of Independence and a week before his birthday, Justice Blackman expressed both surprise and gratitude. 

Senator Elizabeth Thompson.
(FP)

“I didn’t expect it. I am humbled to have been considered. Certainly, when I was growing up this had never crossed my mind, but I accepted it,” he told Barbados TODAY, as he expressed gratitude to those who made it possible for him to reach this stage. “It’s an early birthday present.”

Former Barbados Labour Party Cabinet minister Thompson is honoured for her international work as a public servant, particularly her efforts at the United Nations, and her role in addressing the climate crisis while promoting sustainable development for small island states.

Her work in the Senate and on the Parliamentary Reform Commission has also been honoured.

Thompson admitted the recognition came as a surprise but expressed deep gratitude.

“It is so overwhelming. It is such a tremendous shock, and I’ve been so deeply moved to have been considered. I have served my country for a very long time; it has been my honour and my pleasure to do so,” she told Barbados TODAY.

“But to be recognised in this way,” Thompson added, “I give thanks to God. I wish my parents were here. But I am grateful for the love and support of my sister and her friends who have kept me grounded over the years and a man who has supported me in the best and the worst of times.”

She also expressed gratitude to her former constituents in St James South, Thompson contended that their “overwhelming support”, going back to 1994 when she was first elected to the House of Assembly, kept her in public office and public life.

Prominent entrepreneur Richard Edghill is celebrated for his contributions to engineering, construction, and real estate, as well as his role in Barbados’ economic and environmental development.

Edghill is being conferred with the nation’s highest honour for his illustrious career as an engineer and contractor, as well as his sterling contributions to the construction, real estate, hospitality, and tourism industries in Barbados.

This recognition also acknowledges his renowned entrepreneurial endeavours, which have significantly contributed to the social, economic, and environmental development of Barbados.

The Order of Freedom of Barbados has also been awarded to two other global icons in an honorary capacity.

This honour acknowledges a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados but whose contributions make it desirable for the nation to confer such recognition.

The recipients are Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and musical doyen Edmond Eddie Grant.

Prime Minister Modi is being honoured for his “leading role and reputation for responsiveness and care. Under his strategic leadership, the Government of the Republic of India took urgent action to assist countries like Barbados with Covishield vaccines, which changed the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and minimised its social and economic impacts”.

Grant is being cited for his exceptional achievements as a global cultural icon, innovator of unique music genres including soca and ringbang, vociferous promoter of indigenous music, socio-political commentator, and matchless talent as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.

The OFB also honours Grant’s excellent contributions to the development of local, regional, and international recording artistes.

The 37 honourees on the 2024 list also include three recipients of the Order of the Republic, which recognises distinguished national achievement and merit.

General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Holiness Church and spiritual advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Reverend Dr Joel Cumberbatch, journalist and cultural promoter Anthony Altureo Al Gilkes, and entrepreneur Jeffrey Hoyte are being conferred with the nation’s second highest honour.

Rev Cumberbatch is receiving his accolade for his distinguished career as a spiritual advisor, administrator, and educator, including playing a leading role in revising the religious education curriculum throughout the Caribbean. His dedicated service to ministry and the church, particularly the local, regional, and international Wesleyan Holiness Church, and his outstanding contributions to youth and community development have also been recognised.

“It’s a good feeling. You know, as Christians we don’t serve with the view of getting rewards. But at least it is good to know that there are those who think highly of the work we have done and continue to do in our country and in the region as well,” the church leader told Barbados TODAY.

“And I want to thank all those concerned for the gesture, for the honour; and the truth is, I think it will further motivate me to continue to serve.”

Gilkes’ accolade is for his illustrious career as an activist, internationally acclaimed, award-winning investigative journalist, and a founding member of the Nation newspaper.

A well-known promoter, Gilkes is also being acknowledged for his outstanding accomplishments as a public relations and communications consultant and cultural entrepreneur, as well as his principal role in researching and reviving the former plantation celebrations that marked the end of the sugar cane harvest, leading to the launch of the inaugural Crop Over Festival.

Gilkes told Barbados TODAY he was delighted at being chosen for the award.

“I am very happy to have what I have done over the years – not only in entertainment/promotions and culture – recognised to the point where I am now the recipient of my second national honour for having made significant contributions to the two fields,” he stated.

Gilkes recalled that his first award was a Silver Crown of Merit (SCM) in 2007, specifically for his career in journalism.

“This award now will cover my extensive work in journalism as well as my extensive work in the field of entertainment and culture. I am not one to walk around and pat myself on my back, but it is gratifying and I am thankful that the powers that be have seen it possible to recognise me again,” Gilkes said.

Meanwhile, Hoyte’s award is for his nearly 60 years of distinguished work as an entrepreneur. His efforts paved the way for his extensive contributions to Barbados’ economic diversification. Hoyte’s notable achievements, innovation, and expertise in the retail, waste management, and green energy sectors, along with his unwavering dedication to providing employment opportunities, shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs, and building resilient communities, contributed to this recognition.

National awards are also being conferred on individuals who champion the cause of underserved children, philanthropy, meteorology and hydrology, theatre, the labour movement, education and community development, veterinary services, humanitarian work, Barbados’ indigenous sport of road tennis, the performing arts, nursing and healthcare, youth and community development, athletics and sports administration, with a focus on Special Olympics, and volunteerism and social activism.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb