The climax of celebrations marking Barbados’ 59th Anniversary of Independence and the 4th Anniversary as a Parliamentary Republic will be the Independence and Republic Day Ceremonial Parade on Sunday, November 30, at Kensington Oval.
Beginning at 8 a.m., this year’s parade promises to be especially memorable. In addition to the customary pomp and pageantry, Barbadians will witness the installation of the nation’s second President, Lieutenant Colonel The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic.
A former Minister of Health and a highly decorated military officer in the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Lieutenant Colonel Bostic played a pivotal role in guiding Barbados through the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
His trademark phrase – “No Retreat, No Surrender” – became a national rallying cry, earning him widespread acclaim for his leadership during one of the country’s most challenging periods.
The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier Mark Phillips, along with other high-ranking overseas officials, who will join Barbadians in witnessing this transition of presidential office.
Nearly 1 000 participants, representing armed and unarmed units, will parade under the direction of Commander Derrick Brathwaite.
Detachment units will include the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service (TBPS), the Bands of the BDF and TBPS, the Barbados Cadet Corps and its Band, the Barbados Fire Service and the Fire Cadets, and the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps.
Some of the other participants are the Barbados Coast Guard, the St. John
Ambulance Association of Barbados, the Barbados Landship Association, the Seventh-
Day Adventist Pathfinders and its Band, and the Barbados Legion.
The ceremony will feature the presentation of Leadership Badges and a special performance by TBPS, in recognition of its 190th anniversary, followed by an address by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
Following the formal proceedings, the troops will march through The City, where Members of Cabinet will take the salute outside Parliament. (BGIS)
