They are a special group – born on the same day that Barbados celebrates its nationhood. They are the Independence Babies and throughout November, the NATION will be taking a look back at Independence Babies through the years. Do you recognise anyone you know?
This story was originally published in 2006.
AS A NEW DEMOCRACY was being born back on November 30, 1966, so were 15 people who will forever hold the honour of being called “Independence Babies”.
Their mothers, just like our forefathers, laboured and pushed until a new era was ushered in for them and generations to come, as the Union Jack was lowered and the Broken Trident took its place.
And, just like this country, these “babies” have come of age, boasting a number of achievements of which they can be proud.
Some of them have gone on to be doctors, entrepreneurs, masons, managers, plumbers, technicians and cosmetologists. And, many have babies of their own.
The DAILY NATION caught up with a few of them on the eve of their 40th birthdays to find out just how they felt about this milestone.
“I feel excellent, sweetie, because I am in good health,” said Kathy-Ann Thornton, a former cosmetologist turned hostess. “I am proud to be a Bajan and I am proud to be born on Independence Day.”
She celebrated with a barbecue bash yesterday which carried on into the wee hours of today.
But there are a few things that has this birthday girl frowning.
“I am disappointed that Government is not doing much for our country at 40. For a milestone like that I think they should’ve done more. It’s no different than when we celebrated 39 years last year,” she explained.
Thornton pointed out that it was the late Errol Walton Barrow who introduced the “Independence Babies” to the country and gave them all a place of significance in the Independence celebrations, like taking part in the parade or having them as specially invited guests at major events. However, that all died with Barrow, she pointed out.
In fact, she said the last time they were recognised was back in December 1987 under a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Government when they were given special grants to help with their education after they turned 21.
Thornton, like fellow birthday girl Margot Gibson-Yarde, used her money to pursue a career in cosmetology, but she later changed jobs.
Roger Browne, a father of four and mason by profession, declined to speak to the DAILY NATION but his mother Eula Browne filled in the blanks.
She, too, was disappointed with the treatment her son and the others had received from the Barbados Labour Party Government.
“They have forgotten them. The DLP used to treat them so well. I remember I used to get a little something to help with his education. He even used to take part in the Independence parade at the Garrison but all of that done with,” she vented, adding that her son was born at home around midnight.
But Gillian Brathwaite, acting administration officer in the Ministry of Education’s Curriculum Department, doesn’t think depending on Government for anything makes one truly independent.
“I think you should help yourself and not look to others for handouts,” she said, adding that she counted it a privilege in itself to be turning 40. She plans to spend a quiet day at home today with her husband Winston and one-year-old son Liam. Her only birthday wish “is to be appointed in my job”.
Gibson-Yarde also plans to spend her birthday in quiet reflection “thinking about what I’m going to do from here on”.
She has come a long way in 40 years. She went from working for other hair salons to opening up her own business – Hair Forever, Baycroft Road, Carrington Village, St Michael, earlier this year.
It wasn’t easy, especially with five children, but she persevered. She counts her greatest achievement to date as “coming to know the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour”.
Fabian Maynard is not the most outspoken person, but this shy car washer has three achievements he is proud of – his children aged eight, 14 and 16. They live with him and he has the responsibility of taking care of them each day on a car washer’s income. Up to yesterday evening, he didn’t know how he would be celebrating his big day.
Others born on November 30, 1966, were: Adrian Thompson, a Xerox computer technician with Barbados Business Machines; and Darian Clarke, planning assistant in Cable & Wireless’ property administration department. They were unavailable for comment.
The DAILY NATION tried unsuccessfully to contact these “Independence Babies” – Merville Griffith, Virginia Burke, Jefferson Caddle, Peter Collymore, Michelle Cox, Robert Douglin, Derek Marshall and Stephen Pilgrim. (NATION ARCHIVES)