Cheers to US!

Americans kicked off a round of July 4 independence anniversary celebrations in style here on Friday.For the celebrations, hosted by Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy, Dr Brent Hardt, at George Washington House, some people dressed in period costumes.In an age-old ceremony, the US Embassy Marine Security Guard detachment presented the colours.Gabby sang the American and Barbadian National Anthems, drawing two rounds of applause.Fireworks lit up the night sky, and scores of people drank a toast to the United States.Hardt told the gathering marking the 234th anniversary of American independence that President Barack Obama was “determined to reinvigorate our ties with the Caribbean, and especially with our close friends here in Barbados”.He added: “We value the close co-operation we enjoy with the Government as we work together to promote prosperity and strengthen security in this region.” Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Christopher Sinckler spoke of the two countries sharing “a very strong history and tradition of co-operation”.He said he hoped those taking part in the celebrations “will remember what brings us together, what keeps us together – that is, our mutual respect for our sovereignty and our ability to determine our own paths as sovereign nations within the world”.Members of the Barbados Cabinet, including ministers John Boyce and Steve Blackett, and some prominent businessmen, among them Ralph “Bizzy” Williams, attended the function.Also present were Chief Fire Officer Wilfred Marshall, Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin and members of the judicial, diplomatic and medical communities.Across the world, American celebrations are continuing. Independence Day (July 4) is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, political speeches and ceremonies. (TY)