Sir Paul Altman, Celia Toppin among five honoured with heritage award

Prominent preservationist Sir Paul Altman, cultural policy pioneer Celia Toppin, and visual historian Ronnie Carrington are among five distinguished Barbadians honoured with the Fielding Babb Heritage Recognition Award as Heritage Month 2026 got underway.

The awards, which celebrate exceptional contributions to preserving and documenting the island’s cultural and physical history, were presented at the official launch hosted by the Office for Pan-African Affairs and Heritage, in collaboration with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) and the Barbados National Trust.

This year’s observances are being held under the theme “Safeguarding and Celebrating Our Heritage’.

Sir Paul Altman was recognised for more than four decades of work in heritage conservation and urban renewal. A past president of the Barbados National Trust, he is widely credited with spearheading the restoration of the 1650s Synagogue Historic District, a project that successfully combined real estate development with historical preservation.

Celia Toppin was honoured for her foundational role in shaping Barbados’ cultural landscape. She authored the island’s national cultural policy and later served as project manager for Cultural Heritage with the Organisation of American States, where she established national registers for historic places across the Caribbean.

Veteran photographer and director Ronnie Carrington received recognition for decades of documenting local culture. Known for his Bajan Folkways series and the award-winning Footprints of our Heritage tours, Carrington is currently finalising Shelters in the Shadows, a pictorial publication tracing the history of the Barbadian chattel house.

Awards were also presented to former diplomat Michael King, while cultural heritage conservationist Steve Devonish was named Heritage Steward of the Year.

Toppin expressed gratitude for the recognition while urging greater focus on the future of the cultural and creative sectors, particularly for young people.

“I would really like to see more done in the area of culture and cultural heritage,” she said, emphasising the need for youth involvement. “I would like to see a greater integration of culture and heritage into our economy, especially for the young people.”

Sir Paul, meanwhile, spoke of his pride in receiving the accolade.

“You are always honoured when you get an award for some of the things you do without expecting a reward,” he said. “I am proud to have received this, and I will cherish it and continue to do what I do.”

Heritage Month activities throughout June will feature a packed calendar, including open days, historic tours and cultural showcases designed to deepen national pride and promote public awareness.

The Barbados National Trust will open several historic sites free of charge, including the Arlington House Museum on June 6 and the Gun Hill Signal Station on June 20.

Cultural tourism will also take centre stage. On June 20, the BTMI will host Dinner with Florence Daysh, an evening of music and theatrical storytelling celebrating Barbadian identity.

The month’s activities will also include a lecture on the post-Independence rum and molasses industry at St Mary’s Church on June 18, the fourth edition of the Bridgetown Antiques Market and Literary Bus Tours on Father’s Day (June 21), and a youth-led webinar exploring preservation and digital technologies on June 25.

Other events include Standpipe Stories: Bay Street Edition and the St Mary’s Heritage Tea Party on June 27, Modern Day Griots: Voices of Today at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre on June 28, and the Atlantic Stories digital archive showcase at the Barbados Archives Department on June 30.

Organisers say the wide-ranging programme is intended not only to celebrate Barbados’ rich past, but also to encourage deeper engagement with heritage as a vital part of the island’s future.