JUBILATION FILLED THE AIR at the United States Embassy in Wildey on Thursday night as they celebrated that country’s 239th anniversary of Independence.
More than 800 guests, including Caribbean prime ministers, Barbados government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, prominent business people, clergy, and other key individuals, came together to toast the republic.
The formal ceremony included a presentation of colours by the US Marines, the singing of the Barbados and US anthems by Paula Hinds and Lori Boes respectively, and an invocation by Pastor Elector Pearson.
In his remarks, Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy underscored the close and productive relationship the US enjoys with Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and lauded Ambassador Larry Palmer’s accomplishments and commitment to partnership.
For his part, Palmer said that since its founding, the US had become a richly diverse nation that speaks in a multitude of voices.
Following his remarks, Palmer invited guests to join him in a toast to America’s independence.
The formal ceremony culminated in a pyrotechnics display as the US Marines presented the Independence Day cake that was cut by the ambassador. Guests dined on classic American food and danced the night away to the sounds of local band, Brass Soul. (SP/PR)
