PROLIFIC MASQUERADE BANDLEADER Gwyneth Squires has added yet another award to her collection, the Barbados Service Medal, while expressing gratitude to her loyal supporters and the Government.
The veteran mas’ player and costume designer stressed that God had bestowed health and strength on her for the last 28 years so that she could contribute to the culture of her adopted homeland, Barbados.
The Trinidadian-born Squires, calling Barbadians her family, said they had encouraged her in doing what she loved most.
“My loyal band members who have remained with me throughout the years are like family to me . . . My Barbados family and my family abroad have always supported and encouraged me to do what I loved as long as it made me the best person I could be, “ she told the DAILY NATION after being named in this year’s Independence honours list.
The designer, whose costumes have graced numerous Crop Over junior and adult bands, said yesterday she was particularly grateful to the Government for conferring what she termed “this prestigious accolade in honour of my service to the community, people and culture of Barbados”.
“For all this, I remain totally humbled and extremely grateful and will continue to give of my time and service to the people of Barbados as long as God’s grace allows.
Thank you, Barbados,” she added. (RJ)
