By Julie Carrington – Aug 21, 2024
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training Sandra Husbands , Dame Graça Machel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Joy-Ann Skinner, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Division of Culture, Prime Minister’s Office, Michelle Maynard on their way to the Grace Adams Suite for informal talks shortly after meeting Mrs. Machel on the tarmac at the Grantley Adams International Airport (J Bishop/BGIS)
It was a special moment for the former First Lady of Mozambique and South Africa, Dame Graça Machel, as she touched down on Barbadian soil for the first time.
The African stateswoman, educator and humanitarian, was met at the Grantley Adams International Airport this afternoon by Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Sandra Husbands, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Joy-Ann Skinner, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Division of Culture, Prime Minister’s Office, Michelle Maynard, Acting Chief of Protocol, Resa Layne and Acting Senior Administrative Officer in the Division of Culture, Rhonda Greenidge.
Mrs. Machel and the welcome party later went to the Grace Adams Suite where she held informal discussions with Minister Husbands and other government officials.
Dame Machel’s visit coincides with the Season of Emancipation and she will participate in a number of related activities including a visit to the Barbados Museum and Historical Society where she will be involved in a Barbados/Africa Connections activity and meet with South Africans living here.
Mrs. Machel will also visit places of interest which are tied to the island’s intangible cultural heritage, such as Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, the Emancipation Statue, Rock Hall Freedom Village and Golden Square Freedom Park. The ‘Story of Sugar and Rum’ will also be shared with her.
Dame Graça’s visit concludes on Monday August 26.
