Barbadians turned out in their numbers yesterday to mark this country’s 45th anniversary of independence with the Ceremonial Parade at the Bridgetown Port.
Persistent showers during the week forced the parade to be moved from its traditional site at the Garrison Savannah to the Port. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of persons who came to see the armed and unarmed units march before a host of dignitaries that included acting Governor General, Elliot Belgrave; Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart; Chief Justice, Marston Gibson; members of Cabinet; and the diplomatic corps.
Organisations on parade included detachments of the Barbados Defence Force, the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Barbados Cadet Corps, the Barbados Prison Service and the Barbados Fire Service.
Units from the Government Security Guards, the Barbados Youth Service, the Barbados Legion, the Girl Guides Association, the Barbados Red Cross Society and the Barbados Boys’ Scouts Association were also represented.
The St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, the Barbados Landship, the National Conservation Commission, the Pentecostal Crusaders, the Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders and a detachment from the British Royal Navy Wave Runner were also on parade.
Following the salute to the nation, Prime Minister Stuart took the salute in front of the Port Administration Building.
Detachments then marched through the City to Independence Square, where the parade ended.