ON THE OUTSIDE of the stately Brooklyn church a steady drizzle which followed persistent day-long showers could easily have dampened people’s mood.
But inside the 80-year-old religious edifice, St Leonard’s Church, a shining example of Bajan enterprise and strong faith, things were much different.
The intense emotions spawned by galloping nationalism, nostalgia and reverence for the Almighty sent a strong message that neither the dark clouds nor the wide expanse of water that separated Barbados and New York could derail people’s passion for their birthplace or lessened the intense desire to celebrate its golden jubilee of independence with gusto and pride on November 30.
“It was a fine service and I considered it an honour to have been asked to be a part of it to play,” said Dr Sean Jackson, the maestro who shared the musical duties at the organ with John Taylor. “The nationalism and the pride in Barbados added to the service. It was an uplifting experience.”
Sandra Went, a Bajan jeweller in Manhattan, agreed with Jackson.
“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything,” said Went. “The service was important because it gave us the chance to celebrate our independence on the actual day of the anniversary. ”
The service was organised by the St Leonard’s worshippers and their pastor, Canon Llewellyn Armstrong as well as the Resurrection Anglican Congregation. The picture painted by key speakers underscored the island’s democratic strength, its commitment to education and good health and the fact that both the Democratic Labour Party and the Barbados Labour Party which shared almost equally the running of the country.
“The progress made over the last 50 years cannot be attributed to anyone person or event,” said Jessica Odle-Baril, Consul-General in New York between 2003-08 who reflected on the BLP’s 24-year track record in office. “It has been the work of many and as we celebrate this milestone Barbadians must unite in appreciation to all those leaders whose vision and political acumen have taken us forward as one nation.”
Lennox Price, who succeeded Odle-Baril and spoke about the DLP’s leadership and contribution, agreed.
“Barbados has been and continues to pride itself as a well-governed nation,” said Price. “This is evidenced by the programmes and policies that have been executed by successive Governments ever since our flag was hoisted on a very raining night 50 years ago.”
Both former consuls-general listed their Government’s success stories written by the prime ministers who appointed them, including Errol Barrow and Tom Adams.
On the BLP’s side of the ledger, the accomplishments included the Plantation Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act that paved the way for landownership among former plantation tenants; the construction of the ABC Highway; the rapid expansion of the credit union movement; development of the international business sector; the National Drug Service; the emergence of the National Cultural Foundation; selection of the first national heroes; the sound performance of the economy; and the returning nationals programme.
Price recalled the pioneering social and economic legislation and initiatives, introduced by successive DLP administrations and on that list were the Severance Payment Act; the Maternity Leave Act; the leadership role in the formation of the Caribbean Free Trade Association, the forerunner of Caricom; the establishment of the Barbados Central Bank; the strengthening of the education system, especially the expansion of the school system and the introduction of nursery schools; the launching of the Barbados Community College; the National Insurance Scheme, the opening of the National Stadium and the Warrens Polyclinics and the David Thompson Health and Social services complex.
“It is common knowledge that Barbados has made considerable strides over the years,” said Price, adding that “Barbados as a God-fearing nation will continue along the path of excellence in strength and unity.”
Two Bajan-New Yorkers, Merle Cummings, who served in the Government offices in New York for more than 40 years, and Livy Goring, the second Consul-General appointed in New York, were presented with awards that recognised their “outstanding” contribution to Barbados and its diaspora in New York.
Goring paid tribute to the long list of diplomatic and consular officials who have served with distinction and did so without paying attention to domestic political considerations.
Canon Armstrong praised Barbados for its remarkable record of development, asserting the leaders had made it “what it is today.”
However, he lamented the mushrooming crime and the indiscipline of many young people who were contributing to the disappearance of sound “old values”.
Tony Best is the NATION’s North American Correspondent. Email: [email protected]
