Bajans flock to Garrison Savannah for parade

Decked out in blue, gold and black, scores of Barbadians braved the early morning showers to make their way down to the historic Garrison Savannah to witness the annual Independence Day parade.

Commencing earlier than the scheduled 8 a.m. start with the national anthem, the various armed forces were the first groups to make their way around the savannah, marching past and saluting the Acting Governor General of Barbados, Sir Philip Greaves and the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart, along the way.

Some of the notable mentions among the armed forces were members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), who were dapperly dressed in their military green, yellow and white uniforms, complete with hats; members of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) in their traditional red, white and black; and the Barbados Coast Guards and the Barbados Cadet Corps, who also made impressive statements in their ensembles during their march past. Also noteworthy were the Members of Parliament and their spouses, who paid homage to the occasion by wearing one or more of the national colours of this island.

Among the unarmed forces, the Barbados Postal Service, Barbados Red Cross, the Barbados Fire Service, the Seventh-Day Adventist Pathfinders, the Barbados Prison Service, the Barbados Security Guards, the Barbados Youth Service, the Barbados Landship, the Girl Guides Association of Barbados and the Barbados Legion were likewise on hand to showcase their skills.

The Mounted Troup of the RBPF, as always, drew tremendous interest from all age groups, especially the children who were fascinated with the discipline and training of the horses.

There was also a display by the St. John Ambulance Association of Barbados, who are celebrating 75 years of existence and who have among their plans the expansion of their organisation. This group paraded with their arms outstretched as a salute to the nation and a way of welcoming all into their family.

The parade ended as it began, with the playing of the island’s national anthem, accompanied by a gun salute and three cheers to Barbados, all in tribute to the country, before Sir Philip Greaves, Prime Minister Stuart, and Chief Justice of Barbados, Sir Marston Gibson, departed the parade grounds.

All groups participating in the parade marched from the Garrison Savannah into the island’s capital via Bay Street, across the bridge and dispersed in Independence Square. (PJT)