Barbadians’ own ‘thanksgiving’ at Independence

On the streets of Bridgetown, Barbadians paused to reflect on the question: “What are you thankful for this Independence?”

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 59th anniversary of Independence, many citizens — despite facing financial pressures, personal challenges, and the lingering effects of a difficult year — were still eager to express gratitude for the things that matter most to them.

Allison Jack: I’m thankful for our life and I’m thankful for being in the land of the living where God has spared our lives, not to have been hit by the hurricane Melissa, you know, so we have a lot to thank God for, even though things are expensive at present in the supermarket, we are in the land of the living where we could give praise and thanks to God, and we need to love each other more.

Ronald Webster: I’m thankful for the Lord, and He gives me strength and breath to live. Thank you.

Jermain Jones: As they say, this is an early morning. I’m just thankful for life. Get up and see another day. I’m thankful that I have work that could feed me and my family.

Yvette: I’m grateful to God. First of all, in everything, I put God first. I seek Him first. I trust Him, I put Him first. Then I always ask Him to let me be a blessing to others. I love to help people, and that’s my, that’s my field in life, helping people. So I’m grateful for life. I’m grateful for everything. I’m grateful for helping people, I’m grateful for my job, I’m grateful for everything.

Tonya Peters: I’m thankful for life. I’m thankful for good health. I’m thankful for seeing another year.

Sandra Jordan: I am thankful for being alive, for the grace of God.

Samuel Yearwood: I’m grateful to the Lord for life and, you know, having a pleasant day and then being in good health and so on.

Justin: I’m thankful for life, honestly. Things was rough, but, you know, it started smoothing out a little bit, so I’m just thankful for the blessings the Lord give me.

Even in challenging times, Barbadians continue to find reasons to give thanks — whether for protection, provision, community, or the gift of life itself.