TRADE UNIONISTS, Opposition members, ambassadors, private and public sector representatives, the Rastafari community, Pan-Africanists and members of the public all came out to commemorate the Day of National Significance today.
The event which took place in Golden Square, The City featured multiple speakers on topics such as the Barbadian identity in the modern age, recognising unsung heroes, acknowledging and learning from the past, reenergising the export sector and legalising marijuana.
However, Opposition leader Mia Mottley criticised the absence of one group – Government, which she said had sanctioned having such a day yet did not show up to celebrate it.
“I remain astonished that, in spite of us designating today as the Day of National Significance, we do not have the officers of state [here]. I do so against the background that we all go to Remembrance Day at 8 a.m. – from his Excellency the Governor General, to the Prime Minister, to the Leader of the Opposition, to the police commissioner, to the chief of staff of the Barbados Defence Force, to the Chief Justice and the members of the judiciary.
“While I in no way seek to cast anything negative about the continuation of that ceremony for those who lost their lives in the two world wars, I find it amazing that those who lost their lives in the riots and those who fought against injustice and oppression will not have the honour of those offices associated with what has been officially designated by Cabinet as a Day of National Significance,” she said.
Despite the diverse groups, the actual number of people was small, a fact noticed by president of the Clement Payne Movement David Comissiong, who lamented why so many would go to Soca Royale but so few to an event such as this, saying Barbadians were not taking their futures seriously.
Each speaker placed flowers at the foot of the bust honouring national hero Clement Payne as members of the Richard Stoute Teen and Over-21 talent shows performed. (CA)