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Minister of Transport and Works, John Boyce (right) is pictured at the Independence Reception in London for nationals living in the United Kingdom. Also pictured is his wife Carolyn and Barbados’ High Commissoner Hugh Arthur.????
The Barbados High Commission and Barbadian Associations in the United Kingdom recently coordinated a series of cultural and religious events to mark the 44th Anniversary of Barbados’ Independence.??
Church services were held in Coventry, Birmingham, Manchester, Bath and London.?? In addition, there was the annual Evensong held at Westminster Abbey on Independence Day, November 30.
In conjunction with the High Commission, The National Council of Barbadian Associations held a panel discussion on November 25 in London, where a high-level panel looked at how the recession was affecting the Barbadian Diaspora in the UK. Culturally, nationals in London were treated to performances by Barbadian artistes, including The Mighty Grynner, Stabby, Rhesa Garnes and Krystle Cummings-Beckles.??????????????
The Barbados Government was officially represented by Minister of Transport and Works, John Boyce.?? While in the UK, the Minister attended functions in Reading and London on November 27.?? The first was organised by the Barbados and Friends Association in Reading and a second event in London by one of the oldest Barbadian associations in the UK, Barbados Overseas Community and Friends Association.?? Both functions attracted a large segment of Barbadians living in the UK.?? The Minister was accompanied by his wife Carolyn, the High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Hugh Anthony Arthur, OBE, and the Deputy High Commissioner Donville Johnson.
Minister Boyce also attended the official Independence Anniversary Service in Manchester and read the Prime Minister’s message. The service attracted several Barbadians from the host city, as well as the surrounding cities and towns, including Birmingham, Coventry, Oldham, Leeds and Huddersfield. It was co-ordinated by Barbadian priest, the Rev. Roger Reece and the sermon conducted by the Rev. Daniel Burton, who highlighted the contributions of the Barbadian national heroes.??
The official visit concluded with Mr. Boyce delivering an address to nationals at a reception hosted by the Barbados High Commission at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Central London on Independence Day.