‘Pride of St Michael’: Residents honoured for service, community impact

A group of 50 St Michael residents were recognised for decades of service to their communities and the nation, with the President awarding the Pride of Barbados Insignia at a ceremony at the State House on Wednesday.

The split ceremony honoured 25 individuals in the morning and the other half in the evening.

Among the evening awardees was Rodney Grant, who was celebrated for over 40 years of leadership in community and cultural development. Grant, who is the chief executive officer of the Pinelands Creative Workshop, was recognised for transforming lives through the arts, empowering at-risk families and preserving Barbados’ cultural heritage.

He described the award as an achievement for the Pine community, saying the goal was always to “use the Pinelands Creative Workshop and its members as role models — to change the community from that negative stigma to a more positive one”.

Another Pinelands Creative Workshop stalwart, Sophia Mechelle Greaves-Broome, was honoured for three decades of work in youth and community development. She described the recognition as “a celebration of a legacy”, noting that “a lot of positives have emerged from the community, and one of them is Pinelands Creative Workshop. This is truly a celebration of all its members and the community”.

Another awardee, Kathy Bernadette Harris, who has long advocated for children and families, said she was humbled by the recognition. “I didn’t even know how I ended up getting the award,” she declared, adding that although she no longer teaches formally, she continues to mentor young people. “I’m thankful for being recognised, and my hope is for my young people to come back and give back.”

Christopher Wayne Griffith, known for his work in community policing and youth engagement, said he was “honoured to be recognised for assisting in the community for a number of years”, noting that he still lends support despite being retired.

In her address, President Dame Sandra Mason praised the honourees for their selflessness and commitment. “You are exemplary, the beacon in your community. This award should give you the incentive to continue and motivate those around you,” she said. “Having worked so diligently on behalf of your fellow man, they will consider that they need to do the same.”

Also speaking during the evening ceremony, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and MP for St Michael North, Davidson Ishmael reminded the recipients that they were among only a select few. “There are about 100 000 people in St Michael,” he said. “The very fact that you’re sitting in this room says that your contribution has been valuable, recognised, and appreciated. Continue the good work — it does not stop here.”

City MP Corey Layne added that the award “is not a retirement award”, encouraging the honourees to keep serving. “Keep on keeping on,” he said, “and have a wonderful Independence season.”

Marsha Caddle, the MP for St Michael South Central, reflected on the impact of everyday acts of service, recalling a childhood memory of an honouree who showed care to young passengers.

“It’s an example of small acts of service that matter,” she said. “You don’t just inspire your peers, you inspire us as representatives and as people who admire the work that you do.” (LE)