Uniformed??units parade at the Garrison Savannah on November 30th, 1966.??
It is expected that the Garrison Savannah will be packed to capacity on the night of Sunday, November 29, as Barbadians usher in the 43rd anniversary of this country’s independence.??
Announcing the details for this year’s Independence Gala and Ceremonial Parade at a press conference today, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Keith Franklin, noted that the event would salute those Barbadians who had made sterling contributions to their country.
This will be portrayed in a one-and-a-half hour cultural programme, commencing at 8:30 p.m. under the theme "Barbados Gold – Expressions of Excellence". It will focus on excellence in various spheres of life, including agriculture, tourism and entertainment.
The featured artistes will include: The Merrymen, Mighty Gabby, Paula Hinds, the Barbados National Youth Orchestra and St. Leonard’s Boys’ Choir.??There will also be a special segment honouring Barbadian sports men and women during which Edwin Yearwood and Red Plastic Bag will perform.????
Immediately after the entertainment segment (at approximately 10:05 p.m.), will be the ceremonial parade coordinated by the Barbados Defence Force. Some 23 units comprising 70 officers and 1,102 ranks will participate.
These will be drawn from agencies such as the Barbados Coast Guard, the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Barbados Youth Service, the Barbados Cadets Corps, the Boy Scouts, the Landship and the Barbados Legion.??
The announcement of this year’s Independence Awards takes place at the conclusion of the parade, followed by a fireworks display and a Salute to the Nation at midnight.
Meanwhile, members of the public who prefer to be seated at the Independence Gala and Ceremonial Parade are advised that a limited number of tickets are available from the Defence and Security Division of the Prime Minister’s Office, Bay Street, St. Michael.