Birthday treat for GG

In honour of her birthday on Friday, Her Excellency, the Governor General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason received a special treat from the Barbados Cadet Corps.

Following an inspection of the Guard of Honour mounted by the Barbados Cadet Corps at Government House Friday evening, Master Chief Petty Officer, Mikel Gooding serenaded the Governor General with a beautiful rendition of ‘The Prayer’ and Makena Sue, Cadet Under Officer, presented Her Excellency with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Towards the end of the festivities the 106 cadets and two officers, Major Randy Charles, who commanded the parade and Sub-Lieutenant Wayne Beckles, with the help of the Barbados Cadet Corps Band sang the popular birthday song, much to the Governor General’s surprise.

“I guess it would be remiss of me if on this occasion I did not say thank you, because I am really moved by the fact that you’ve come again, because last year when it was done I was three score year and ten and I thought that was a signal event but then you thought to come and do it again, I am especially pleased,” she said.

“And especially pleased because it is the young ones, you are the ones that have the future of Barbados in your hands and I am truly impressed by your turnout.  Be assured that I appreciate it.”

The Governor General jovially stated that she believed that her birthday was the most special day in the year, and the second one was her son, adding that “after that any number can play.”

Dame Sandra revealed that she attempted to celebrate her birthday for the full 24 hours, staying awake from 12 a.m. to the end of the day.

She ended by saying she was pleased to be able to celebrate her special day with the Barbados Cadet Corps, her family and her specially invited guests.

“Thank you to Commandant Colonel Lovell of the Defence Force for turning out so splendidly on this occasion and if you are going to continue to do this I will continue to be Governor General for a very long time,” she smiled.