Awardees share pride and gratitude at Independence Day ceremony

Surprised, humbled, grateful. These were the emotions expressed by the Barbadians who received the highest honours during the Independence and Republic Day Ceremonial Parade and National Awards Ceremony on Sunday.

Cricketing legend the Most Honourable Joel Garner, Governor of the Central Bank Dr the Most Honourable Kevin Greenidge, and healthcare leader, businessman and philanthropist Dr the Most Honourable Kurt Lambert were officially conferred with the Order of Freedom of Barbados. They were among just over 70 individuals recognised for distinguished and extraordinary service to Barbados, the Caribbean, the Caribbean Diaspora, or to humanity more broadly.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, cricketing icon Garner said he was thankful and humbled, taking the opportunity to pay tribute to those who supported him over the years.

“Some of them [are] no longer here, and some of them still around. But you know [I’m] sharing the award with them because we didn’t do it alone and they were with us when we were in the trenches doing all the work, not only that, but bringing some joy and happiness to the people around us.”

Garner credited his grandmother for keeping him grounded and said his career success came from “keeping steadfast” and enjoying his work. “So I tried to do the best that I could while I was playing.”

Dr Greenidge, honoured for his leadership in economic policy and central banking, dedicated the award to his team and the national effort.

“I may have played an instrumental role, but we couldn’t have gotten where we are without everyone, including, I would say Barbadians playing their part … So really many persons contributed to this part in terms of the success of the current programme.”

He also pointed to ambitious plans to modernise Barbados’ financial architecture. “We are launching BIMPay on March 31, 2026… a big transformation of the financial architecture, and we continue to be part of the government economic team.”

Dr Lambert, whose award also recognised his contribution to finance, admitted feeling overwhelmed.

“It’s also very deeply special moment. I was not expecting it at all. I received a call…a few weeks ago.”

He recalled his journey from Chadderton Road, Carrington Village, St Michael, to Harrison College, then on to the United States to study, before establishing a successful asset management firm in Zurich.

“That’s an asset management firm, managing hedge funds… a few billion in assets… other entrepreneurial activities in the area of ESG (environmental, social, and governance)… quite a bit of philanthropic work on the African continent.”

Honourary Order of Freedom recipient, Professor Benedict Oramah (left) congratulates Dr the Most Honourable Kevin Greenidge. (LG)

Former President and Chairman of the Board of Afreximbank, Professor Benedict Oramah, was awarded an honorary Order of Freedom for strengthening trade and investment ties between Barbados and the African continent. He described the award as a symbolic “handshake across the Atlantic, helping to build the partnership.”

“There’s a collective recognition of our bank and also as a reminder of the great work we still have to do for Global Africa. This is the second time, I feel like a Bajan.”

He praised Barbados’ role in building a united Global Africa coalition, saying, “We are one, the same heritage… Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has played and continues to play a very, very leading role in this.”

Faith Marshall-Harris

Child protection and justice reform advocate Faith Marshall-Harris received the Order of the Republic for her distinguished service. She said being recognised at home was especially meaningful.

“No matter what you do overseas or internationally, it’s great to be acknowledged at home.”

She noted that the award also highlighted the rights of young people. “This is really about them…their rights to survive and thrive and be protected, which is what I’m about.”

Marshall-Harris also welcomed improvements in the court system. “It seems to me as if the cases are being heard a lot sooner, and I’m grateful for that, and I want to see more of that.”

Other awardees included Attorney General Dale Marshall, Senator Reginald Farley, Madam Justice Dr Corlita Babb-Schaefer, Minister of Energy and Business Senator Lisa Cummins and her team, singer Wendy Alleyne, and Reverend Wayne Kirton. (LG)