For the first time in 57 years, Barbados held the Independence Day Parade at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex (UBSC) in Black Rock, St Michael yesterday morning.
Scores of Barbadians were decked out in their best ultramarine, gold and black outfits and filled out the 5 000 seat stadium to celebrate their nation which Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley described as the “best little rock that this world has ever seen”.
During her address, Mottley said it was important that Barbadians held onto the principles that the country was built on and had served them so well over the years.
“I ask us to pay tribute to those principles, the commitment to pride and industry in our motto, to excellence as we have seen in the distribution of medals and awards today,” she began.
“I want equally to recognise that beyond excellence, our commitment to social justice and social unity, to caring for each other, that these things matter, not just in the affairs of state, but indeed, in the daily practice of our lives as we engage with each other, family to family, friends, work colleagues, and indeed the stranger in the street. These are the principles that have sustained generations of Barbadians before us, and must still do so today.”
Mottley asked the Barbadian public to continue to be patient and work hard together, citing Barbados’ position as the fifth fastest growing economy in the entire world this year as an example of what can happen when all of the stakeholders pull together. She believes the focus should be placed on transforming the nation.
The Prime Minister continued: “So my friends, I understand that sometimes it is difficult, and that sometimes you may even be a little weary of the efforts that are necessary. But when you were a child and a teenager, there were things of which you tired too, but they were critical to your growth. They were critical to our sustenance, they were critical to give you the platform that could make you into adults, into a nation that would want to be inspired, exulting, free.
“Let us, therefore, understand that our lot, as I said in the last few years, is the lot to plant, to sow. And if we plant correctly, and if we nurture, others will come and reap. And some will reap a three-week crop and some will reap a six-week crop and some will reap a three-month and some will read a nine- and 12-month. We will not all come in at the same time. But the importance of it is that we do not leave behind those who have not yet reached the destination.”
Mottley concluded by once again giving a call to action, not only to those across the island but also internationally as she heads off to The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) which is being held in Expo City, Dubai from November 30 to December 12.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley with some of the national honourees. (Picture by Lennox Devonish)
“My dear friends, this is our day. But we are conscious that it is not the world in which we want to live. And there are some things over which we have little control and there are some that we have great control over. Let us as citizens of Barbados therefore, commit to do the things we can and change the things we must, and be resilient to the things beyond our control,” she said, before giving cheers to the nation.
Thirty five people including The Honourable Reginald Farley, Kerryann Ifill and Dodridge Miller; as well as athlete Sada Williams and Sharon Bellamy-Thompson were awarded Independence Day Honours for their contributions to their nation, but none received the adulation that welcomed Marlon Elrico “Van Wick” Tempro to the stage.
Tempro was greeted by deafening applause and a standing ovation when he received a Barbados Bravery Medal for placing himself at risk while preventing loss of property and loss of life while he was under attack by persons with firearms during a robbery. The attempted robbery took place during the Oistins route in the early hours of the morning on July 17.
“I feel very honoured to be receiving this award. I would like to give God thanks and I am so pleased with even the crowd response. It’s an inspiration to youngsters that good behaviour pays off, manners pays off, respect pays off.”
The event concluded with Prime Minister and the Cabinet taking their salute at the Carlton Supermarket after the parade departed UBSC on to Black Rock Main Road, turning right and going down Carlton, then dismaning at the Carlton Sports Complex. (JC)