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The current format of the Community Independence Celebrations, including the Spirit of the Nation Show, will be reviewed at the end of this year’s celebrations.
This assurance came from Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, as he delivered remarks over the weekend at the official launch of the 2011 Community Independence Celebrations at the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre, in the City.
Mr. Lashley said the examination would be done with a view to ensuring that the celebrations were adjusted to suit the changing needs of the constituents. "The Spirit of the Nation Show will be reviewed, for example, to see how best we can reward in some meaningful way, not just the first, second and third winners, but indeed, all of the participants," he explained.
He promised, however, that the exercise would be undertaken in collaboration with all of the relevant stakeholders.
The Minister encouraged Barbadians to support the work and activities of the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat. He continued: "Please do not stand on the sidelines and criticise. Work with the Parish Independence Committees. Contribute to the development of your parish projects. Give what assistance and encouragement you can to our young Parish Ambassadors."
Mr. Lashley underscored the importance of the Community Independence Celebrations programme, and called on Barbadians to see the upcoming Independence celebrations as a time to renew their collective faith in each other and in their country.
"Let us pledge to live the words of our National Anthem by facing our challenges boldly, but responsibly. Let us demonstrate to the world that a small open economy such as ours can face a global recession and come out of it with the fundamental pillars of our society – love for each other, mutual respect, tolerance, industry, and love for God – intact," he urged.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is Passion, Energy, Power: The Pride of Nationhood.????