City Lit Up!

LAST night, Bridgetown was set aglow in a sea of blue and gold during the Sagicor Life Incorporated Lighting Ceremony.

The event, now in its 22nd year, signals the start of this island’s 51st Independence Celebrations at the community level, under the theme “Celebrating Community Spirit: Inspiring Strength and Unity”.

Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, the Hon. Steven Blackett, told Barbadians and visitors alike who flocked to National Heroes’ Square that the activities, co-ordinated by the Parish Independence Committees, have been the vehicle used for over two decades to engender national identity and pride in ourselves as a nation.

“The community is the heart of a nation, it is where our citizens reside. They vary in complexity, but together make up the fabric of Barbadian society. The differences present do not have to make excuses for animosity and/or confusion; they should be tools of enrichment for the fabric being weaved and not a tool that would be ripped apart,” he observed.

“We would be drawing on each other’s strengths and using our individual and community giftings to build a better Barbados. That is the mentality that needs to be cultivated if strength and unity are to be the outcomes of the community spirit we hope to develop and sustain.”

As schools, church, community and sports groups come together during the coming days to host activities at the community level, Blackett is therefore urging Barbadians to rally around them and show support.

“Let us get involved as our national tapestry continue to be woven to showcase a picture of unity that is real,” he stressed.

The Community Independence Celebrations continues to recognise the contribution of those in Barbados’ communities, who have made outstanding contributions over the years to nation building.

One such person is Mr. Carson Small, a volunteer who has given selflessness and continues to make a valuable contribution to Barbados. “He has always placed Barbados first. In that regard, he has risen above his personal disability to give of his best to nation building,” Blackett expressed of Small, who had the honour of flicking the switch to light up the City.

The Minister also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr. Curtis Gibbons, who served as National Co-ordinator of the Community Independence Celebrations for many years. He passed away in September.

“Curtis was a dedicated employee and loved his work, he was also a leader who inspired his staff,” Blackett expressed. (TL)