![](https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Stephen-Lashley-at-podium.jpg)
Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley. (FP)
Through volunteerism, Barbados can build a “stronger, fairer and more sustainable society”.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, made this comment at the Community Independence Celebrations Annual Awards and Dinner, held in the Daryll Jordan Secondary School Hall, St. Lucy, last Saturday.
Lauding the many Community Independence Celebrations parish ambassadors and attendants for their dedication, Mr. Lashley noted that for the past 21 years, volunteerism has been one of the “hallmarks” of Independence celebrations. Stating that it could transform the country’s cultural landscape, the Minister encouraged all Barbadians to participate in building their communities through volunteering.
“Volunteering can be your way of making a difference… This is a task that goes beyond the economic and builds social, cultural and human capital. As a volunteer, you can assist your country Barbados to deal with the entrenched challenges of the 21st century,” he stated.
The Culture Minister added that volunteerism could also give persons a sense of purpose and value, and urged the parish ambassadors and attendants to continue to do the necessary work within their community.
During the awards ceremony, the St. Joseph Parish Independence Committee walked away with the coveted Committee of the Year 2016 Award.