Like most nations, Barbados has its cherished symbols of resistance to tyranny, colonialism or slavery as well as to the emergence of nationhood.
Barbados’ Bussa statue, which recalled the rebellion that helped to break the chain of slavery, is an example.
One of America’s is on the Boston Common, commemorating an event in March 1770 when, according to John Adams, “the foundation of American independence was laid.”
Adams was reflecting on an uprising carried out by a small group of patriots led by, Crispus Attucks, a tall, black Barbadian. They attacked British soldiers and he was killed, becoming the first person to die in the American revolutionary war of independence.
Last Monday, soldiers, police officers, cadets and a host of others gathered at the Garrison Savannah just outside of Bridgetown and while no bullets were fired in anger, the ceremonial parade was carried out in exquisite military precision that hailed the historic event on November 30, 1966. During the month of November, Bajans in North American cities, including New York, Toronto, Ottawa, Miami, Orlando, Boston, Plainfield and Hartford cast their minds back to the night when the Union Jack, the symbol of British imperialism, came down for the last time and their birthplace’s flag, its most prominent symbol of independence was unfurled.
Bajans celebrated the anniversary in song, dance, and cultural exhibitions or during church services. In New York, the home of the largest Bajan community in North America, they hailed the anniversary during an “extravaganza” and fashion shows at the Long Island University’s Brooklyn downtown campus. They were followed by a showcase of Barbadian culture – food, art, music, poetry and a market for Barbados business services, all organised by the government offices in Manhattan led by the consulate-general. An independence concert and fashion show was also held at the Kumble Theatre for the Performing Arts also at LIU.
Last weekend, the Council of Barbadian Organisations, an umbrella body of 12 Bajan organisations, sponsored the annual independence gala in Queens, attended by at least 250 guests, down from the 500-600 people who used to flock to the showpiece event a decade ago. Indeed, except for last Sunday’s service of thanksgiving at the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights along Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway which attracted several hundred worshippers, attendance at the events didn’t generate the support many had expected.
In a message read at the religious service, Freundel Stuart, the Prime Minister, told the diaspora that Barbadians can be both justifiably proud of our achievement and optimistic about the future. This is all the more so given the challenges, constraints and limited options that we have encountered while trying to overcome the turbulence of an unpredictable global economy.
“Our challenges include small size, ecological vulnerability, an open economy and technological deficits which require nations like Barbados to navigate challenging geo-political circumstances with much skill and fortitude,” he went on.
Stuart used the occasion to praise overseas Bajans for their contributions and urged them to continue supporting their birthplace with “prayers, financial investment, philanthropic initiatives, remittances and a variety of other means which can redound to the development of our beloved Barbados.”
Dr Donna Hunte-Cox, consul general of Barbados, in her address said: “Barbados continues to be a beacon in the Caribbean” and Bajans were “indeed a unique people; friendly and hospitable; qualities that auger well for our tourism industry as tourists and business persons flock to our island to experience all that we have to offer.”
In an unusual twist, she urged Bajans to “spend your days wisely and productive. Do not dwell on the negative. Seek to immerse yourselves with positive thoughts; see the glass as half-full rather than half empty. Do not be envious or destructive.”
