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Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett????

Historic Bridgetown and the Garrison area, could be listed among the world’s famous sites such as the Pyramids of Egypt, if Barbados’ bid to be inscribed in the prestigious World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), is successful.

Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett, made this observation last Saturday, while addressing the launch of the 2010 Community Independence Celebrations.?? The event, under the theme Celebrating our Heritage: Proud to be a Bajan, was held at the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre, General Post Office, Cheapside.

He noted that a successful bid could see this island being listed among world renowned sites such as the Statue of Liberty in the United States; the Pyramids of Egypt; Timbuktu in Mali; the Great Wall of China; the Taj Mahal in India and the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls.??????

Mr. Blackett opined: "…Our heritage is not just about historic buildings and structures; it is about all of us … it is about how we live our lives, how we relate to each other and the world around us.?? It [heritage] is about our collective story as a people.

"I advise you to make yourselves as familiar as possible with the story of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.?? I guarantee that you will find that it is an enthralling story, one which you have most likely not heard before."

The Minister of Culture reminded the audience that Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison was our story which "chronicled a very important aspect of our shared heritage which highlighted the collective role played in the making of the City".

In light of this, he lauded the Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat for their work over the last 15 years, in encouraging residents across the island, to take pride in their respective communities.

"In those 15 years, the Secretariat has worked tirelessly to promote among Barbadians of all walks of life, what it truly means to be independent.?? And not just during the month of November.?? The aim is to encourage all Barbadians to live the spirit of Independence all year round," Mr. Blackett stressed.

During the evening’s proceedings, patrons witnessed the presentation of the Jackie Opel Spouge Award to veteran spouge proponent, Mike Grosvenor.?? They were also treated to performances from spoken word artiste, Adrian Greene, Cherish Breedy, the Barbados Dance Theatre, Genesis Dance Group and Sir Ruel.

This year’s Parish Independence Committees and Parish Ambassadors were also introduced to the audience.??jwilson@barbados.gov.bb

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