Barbadians, and tourists alike, are being invited to join in the activities being held to celebrate this island???s 47th year of independence, namely the National Independence Service and the Independence Day Parade.

On Sunday, November 24, the National Independence Service will take place at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The service is being coordinated by the Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community
Development under the theme Encouraging Each Other with Hope and Unity.

During a press briefing earlier today to discuss the national Independence events at the ministry???s headquarters in Warrens, Minister Steve Blackett said that the theme was specifically chosen to reflect the importance of all Barbadians coming together to weather any crisis which the country may face.

Outlining the details of the service, the Minister noted that preceding the official ceremony, there would be a variety of cultural presentations beginning at 3:00 p.m. He also mentioned other highlights of the service, including renditions from an 80-member mass choir and a presentation from the Barbados Landship.

Mr. Blackett further advised persons who may be interested in attending the service that a limited number of tickets may be collected from Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 18.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel, Glyne Grannum, of the Barbados Defence Force outlined the arrangements for the Independence ceremonial parade, which are being coordinated by Cabinet Office and will take place at the Garrison Savannah on Saturday, November 30, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

He encouraged persons to attend the event which will feature armed and unarmed units from the Barbados Defence Force; the Royal Barbados Police Force; the Barbados Cadet Corps; the Barbados Boy Scouts Association; St. John???s Ambulance Brigade; the Barbados Red Cross and the National Conservation Commission.

He said there would also be detachments from the Barbados Fire Service; the Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme; the Barbados Prison Service; the Government Security Guards Service; the Barbados Landship Association; the Girl Guides Association and the Barbados Youth Service.

Colonel Grannum noted that in addition to the participation of the Barbados Legion and the Mounted Troupe of the RBPF, there would be a detachment from the visiting British Royal Navy vessel, Her Majesty???s Lancaster, which will be in port that day.

He further pointed out that the ceremonial march to Bridgetown will again take place, with troops leaving the Garrison, and travelling along Bay Street, through the Independence Arch and into The City.

sharifa.medford@barbados.gov.bb

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