?? |
| Some of the inductees are pictured taking the oath at the ceremony. (A. Miller/BGIS) |
With the Holy Bible in hand, 120 newly inducted Barbadian citizens have pledged to inculcate this country’s motto – Pride and Industry into their psyche, which Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said must become their national motto going forward.
Addressing the inaugural citizenship induction ceremony at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre today, he told the inductees that they had a role to play in continuing to build up the Barbadian society.
"Barbadians have for many centuries taken great pride in an ethos which emphasises productivity.?? Our success as a nation has been achieved because of a very strong determination to overcome the challenges that confront us and to make the most of the opportunities that come our way, whether they are great or small.?? In so doing, this ethos has stimulated our creativity and innovativeness," Mr. Stuart affirmed.????
The Prime Minister also mentioned the island’s reputation as a peaceful society with a low crime rate, full access to education, widespread availability of health care services, openness in discussion on national issues, and support for the aged and the vulnerable in society, as the safety net which allowed citizens to weather the challenging times.??????????????????
"Our social safety net is very important to us and we have sought through all our difficulties to maintain its integrity.?? As citizens, therefore, you will have the responsibility to share in the effort to maintain this safety net and the overall social fabric and cohesiveness that make Barbados the wonderful place that it is.?? We expect you to play your full part in this undertaking," Mr. Stuart underlined.
?? |
| Prime Minister Freundel Stuart congratulates inductee??87-year-old Dominican Joseph Clifford Alexander????at the ceremony. At left is Acting Governor General, Elliot Belgrave. (A. Miller/BGIS) |
He told the inductees that citizenship was "the highest status within the gift of a country" and that the onus was on them to "embrace the view of the world to which you are about to subscribe, and the conception of society to which you are about to pledge your allegiance".