THE HILLS of St Joseph will come alive when the St Joseph Parish Independence Committee stages its month of activities culminating with an ‘ole time’ excursion at month end.
The celebrations kicked off last Saturday with a thanksgiving service at St Anne’s Anglican Church that also saw the handing over of the Commemorative Broken Trident to the parish.
There was a community march through the area, from Parris Hill to the church, involving a number of uniformed groups and representatives from religious denominations in the parish. Religious leaders also engaged in a pastoral outreach.
Reverend Myra LaPlante of St Anne’s welcomed the attendees with a message of hope and thanksgiving “for the achievement of nationhood”.
Reverend Myra LaPlante (left) of St Anne’s among the group of marchers. (Picture by Shaka Mayers)
“It is a known fact that our country is deeply engaged in a year-long celebration towards Independence of 50 years . . . . We are blessed. In spite of the scarcity of tap water for a long time, we have come a long way and we are now considering that approximately 50 years ago on November 30, 1966, the Union Jack was lowered and the Broken Trident . . . was raised. A breakaway from historical and constitutional ties as a former colony,” she said.
LaPlante also challenged residents to take pride and care of their surroundings.
She also urged church members to pass on the Barbadian culture to their children and visitors.
“Do not let your culture fade out and subtly be replaced by other cultures. Yes, cultures can be celebrated together, not replaced,” she said.
The celebrations continue with a food fest this weekend and a pork lime and rum fest on October 15 at Grantley Adams Memorial School. (JS)
Shawné Mayers taking the Commemorative Broken Trident into the church.
