Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge, cricket legend Joel “Big Bird” Garner, and economist and philanthropist Dr Kurt Lambert will from today carry the title of Barbados’ highest honour – The Most Honourable.
They head the list of honourees as the country marks its 59th year of Independence, and fourth as a parliamentary republic, when the annual Independence Day Ceremonial Parade takes place at Kensington Oval this morning.
The three received the Order of Freedom of Barbados,
presented “for distinguished and extraordinary service to Barbados, the Caribbean diaspora or to humanity at large”.
Greenidge was awarded “for his exceptional, people-centred leadership in economic policy and central banking, and his outstanding transformative achievements in guiding reforms under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation programmes”.
When contacted last night, Greenidge, who has been Governor of the Central Bank since 2023, told the Sunday Sun: “I feel deeply honoured and humbled.
This is a tribute to all who poured into my life and a call to serve Barbados with even greater dedication.”
Garner has been honoured for his “outstanding leadership as a distinguished sports administrator, sterling service to national cricket development and extraordinary contribution to West Indies and Barbados cricket as one of the greatest fast bowlers in history”.
From his fearsome deliveries in the 1970s and 1980s to his leadership as Barbados Cricket Association president, selector, director, and West Indies team manager, the six-foot-eight cricketing titan’s legacy is as enduring as it is influential. His record still astonishes: 259 Test wickets at 20.97 and 146 One-Day International wickets, including his legendary 1979 World Cup final performance.
Last night, he said he too was “humbled and honoured” to be recognised as one of the people who brought joy and respectability to the region.
“I want to share this honour with all of those who graced the fields with me and who were part of my journey through the years, all of those I played with – some still here around and some not around. You can’t do it by yourself, you are part of a squad and part of a team. I share with them all the accolades I would receive,” he said. Lambert is being awarded “in recognition of his exemplary leadership in health care, finance and social investment, significant socio-economic achievements whilst pioneering major enterprises and unwavering dedication to advancing impactful philanthropic initiatives”.
Global in reach but Barbadian at heart, Lambert represents a new generation of internationally respected leaders who never relinquished their roots. A mathematician, economist, investor and
philanthropist, he has built enterprises and initiatives across continents, but his greatest symbol of service remains the clinic he established in 2011 on family land in Chadderton Road, Carrington Village, St Michael.
Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, former president and chairman of the African Export-Import Bank, will receive the honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados award in recognition of “his dedication, pivotal role and strategic leadership in expanding trade and investment relations between the member stars of the African Export-Import Bank and Barbados”.
The Order of the Republic – the second highest honour – has gone to George Nelson McDonald Fergusson, for leadership in maritime affairs and tourism development – from the Barbados Port to the creation of iconic vessels like the Jolly Roger and Harbour Master; Faith Adele Marshall-Harris, for decades of work in child protection, introducing transformative juvenile reforms and advocacy to strengthen legislation and safeguards for vulnerable children; and Dr Christopher Austin Maynard, for medical excellence, Barbados’ leading ENT specialist, service as an Independent senator and the provision of pro bono care for the vulnerable.
The Gold Award of Achievement goes to 33 members of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and International Business Unit Economic Substance Team, whose rigorous work led to Barbados’ removal from both the FATF grey list and EU blacklist.
Musical legend Wendy Lerlene Alleyne, Barbados’ “Queen of Song”, was one of five honoured with the Silver Trident of Excellence – hers for five decades of artistry and cultural influence.
Seven will receive the Barbados Bravery Medal
for courage in life-threatening circumstances: Four rescuers – Shawn Christopher Green, Jelani Ian Aziel Griffith, Reshelle Amanda Griffith and Rashad Akile Jules – who saved 104-year-old Beryl Whitney from a house fire in Amity Lodge, Christ Church on October 26; 2024; Jeremy Adrian Payne and Roger Ricardo Springer – who braved rough seas to save five people in St Peter on February 11,2024, and Shawn Christopher Greene – who fought off ten vicious dogs to save his cousin on June 15 last year. (NS)
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