November 30 will now be celebrated as Barbados National Day and will highlight all things Bajan.
The day will mark the achievements of Barbados’ Independence on November 30, 1966, and the transition to Republic status on November 30, 2021.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information, and Chair of the sub-committee of the Independence Celebrations, Wilfred Abrahams, made the announcement during a press conference at Ilaro Court on Tuesday.
Minister Abrahams explained that between November 1966 and November 29, 2021, the day was known as Independence Day, but on November 30, 2021, Barbados became a republic.
“So, if you say Independence Day or Republic Day, you would not be wrong. But, to avoid confusion and to embrace everything Bajan, we will refer to it as Barbados National Day,” Mr. Abrahams said, adding it was also a day of national determination, national identity and national significance.
He added that November 30 was a day to celebrate all things Bajan, which included the people, the military, the arts, the kite fliers, the culture, history, and what defined the people of Barbados.
This year’s Barbados National Day celebrations will take place at Kensington Oval. It will see a return to the full ceremonial parade, conferring of national honours and the pinning of leadership badges on head boys and head girls.
“This year Bajans, we are back to normal. We outside, we doing it in full; we going the full way to celebrate our independence and to celebrate our first anniversary of becoming a republic,” Mr. Abrahams said, noting this was testimony to the spirit and resilience of Barbadians over the last two years.
Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell of the Barbados Defence Force, noted that this year’s parade would feature five phases – the arrival of dignitaries; the march-past of the troops in slow and quick time; the national presentation and address to the nation; salute to the nation and the ceremonial march through Bridgetown.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, explained the cultural component would feature concerts being held in Heroes Square, Independence Square and at the Freedom Park consecutively on November 30.
She added that there would be a series of activities hosted throughout the month to mark the occasion.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation, Carol Roberts-Reifer, revealed that the Squares would come alive with the 100 Voice project, the National Steel Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra.
Residents and citizens are encouraged to come out and join in the activities to celebrate Barbados National Day. A full calendar of events will be made available from Friday, November 4.