BY JULIE CARRINGTON | MAY 16, 2022
A monument will be installed in National Heroes Square in Bridgetown (pictured) to commemorate the Barbadian family. (FP)
Barbadians are being encouraged to show off their creativity and come up with a fitting piece that represents the Barbadian family, its contribution and journey as a people and a nation.
Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, said that family life is the nucleus and cornerstone of Barbadian society, during a virtual press conference to give details on the National Heroes Square Monument Competition, last Friday.
The competition was officially launched on Sunday, May 15, which was designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Families. Senator Munro-Knight is calling on talented Barbadians to express their creativeness, to establish an iconic piece in Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.
She shared that last year the public was invited to submit recommendations for the reinterpretation of the space and the erection of a monument, and several recommendations had been received. She thanked those who showed a keen interest in making those submissions.
“The Government has decided appropriately to use this day to launch a design competition for the installation of a monument in National Heroes Square to commemorate the Barbadian family, in recognition of the resilience of our ancestors and the enduring Barbadian family, and their momentous contribution to our journey, as a people and nation. It is considered that the Barbadian family is the ultimate national hero from which all of our national heroes were born and raised,” Senator Munro-Knight stated.
She added: “The interchanges of a significant component of our people commenced in the area of the National Heroes Square during the tortuous period of transatlantic slavery many years ago. Families were separated at this point and the placing of a monument at this site dedicated to the family no doubt signals the completion of the journey of bringing the family back together.”
Meanwhile, Director of the Natural Heritage Department and Chairman of the Monument Design Committee, Steve Devonish, said the competition would run in three stages.
He explained that the first stage commenced on Sunday with a call for submissions. All queries and requests for clarification must reach the Committee by 4:00 p.m. on June 24, 2022, with an August 31 deadline for all entries and submissions.
The Design Committee Chairman informed that stage two would be from September 5 to 19, with a small exhibition allowing Barbadians to see the various concepts.
After a review of the top designs by the committee, Mr. Devonish said the top three would be selected and announced. The first prize winner will receive $15,000; the second $7,000, and the third, $3,000.
A date for the erection of the monument will be announced at a later date.
