GRANTLEY ADAMS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT was a hive of activity Tuesday afternoon as many Barbadians living abroad returned home for the holidays.
There were hugs, kisses, loud shouts of excitement and tears as family members reunited with loved ones, some of whom they had not seen in years.
While the reasons for leaving and returning might be different, the consensus among those returning from the United Kingdom was that they were glad to be home.
Christopher Walker, who was visiting with his fiancée, three children and cousin, told the DAILY NATION he was glad to be back on Bajan soil, especially at this time, since there was no place like home for the holidays.
“I’ve been gone 20 years now. I’ve been back a few times since I left, but this is the first time I’ve been here in a while. My mum still lives here so I like to come and visit her whenever I can,” he said.
Apart from looking forward to the food and sunshine, Walker said: “I’m just happy to be home, to be honest, and to be able to relax with family and see some old friends.”
Miriam Adams said she was here for her annual visit, but this time around was extra special.
“I left in January and we’re back here for Christmas and our 50th wedding anniversary so I have a lot to celebrate,” she said, adding it had been 55 years since she migrated to England.
Adams, who returned with her husband Lelon and granddaughter Zyan Adams, had an emotional reunion with her other granddaughter Ashanti Adams, who migrated to Barbados from England in October.
Ashanti was moved to tears when she saw her family for the first time in almost two months. She embraced her sister Zyan for an extended period as she shed tears of joy and then showered her grandmother with lots of kisses.
Patricia Husbands-White, who had not been back home since 2007, said she was eagerly looking forward to her vacation.
“I’m happy to be back. I’m here this year with my two daughters and three grandchildren. I’m really looking forward to seeing family and friends. I’ll be spending Christmas and New Year’s with my sister in St James,” Husbands-White said.
While her daughters ran away from the camera, her grandchildren, who were visiting for the first time, were more than eager to show off their bright smiles and excitement. (DB)
