BY JOY-ANN GILL | OCT 29, 2021
Minister of Youth, Sport and Community Empowerment, Dwight Sutherland, is encouraging all Barbadians to recognise their nationality and be proud of their culture. (B. Hinds/BGIS)
As the island moves towards republicanism, Barbadians are being encouraged to recognise their nationality and be proud of their culture.
Minister of Youth, Sport and Community Empowerment, Dwight Sutherland, made this call today at the handover ceremony of a $25,000 cheque by Sagicor Life Inc. to assist with the Lighting Ceremony.
Speaking from the Ministry at Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, the Mr. Sutherland said: “As we transition to republican status there is a need for us to recognise our nationality, our identity and to inspire pride in our culture, and I say we have to know who we are and if we don’t know who we are we tend to adopt other cultures and we lose sight of what it means to be truly Barbadian. This is a time … when we as Barbadians feel proud to celebrate our culture, our heritage.”
“Rebuilding Our Nation …. Embracing Our Heritage” is the theme under which Barbados will celebrate this year’s Independence activities.
Deeming it suitable as the island transitions to republican status, he commended those involved in the celebrations over the years, including the parish Independence committees, attendants, and ambassadors.
In an effort to continue the awareness of nationalism, certain communities will be lit from November 1 to December 4. These will be a select place in each parish, running from St. Clements Church in St. Lucy, to St. Martin’s Anglican Church in St. Philip.
The full list is:
- St. Lucy – St. Clement’s Church
- St. Peter – All Saints Church
- St. James – Holetown Methodist Church
- St. Andrew – St. Andrew Parish Church
- St. Joseph – St. Joseph Primary School
- St. Thomas – Sharon Moravian Church
- St. George – St. George Parish Church
- St. John – St. John Parish Church
- St. Michael – New Testament Church of God, River Road
- Christ Church – Deighton Griffith Secondary School
- St. Philip – St. Martin Anglican Church
