Community Spirit of Independence

St. Philip Resident Leon Mayers has gone all out for this country’s 53rd Anniversary of Independence.

He is affectionately known as “Lightman” to the Kirtons community, gaining his popularity over the last decade with the must-see lights and decorations at his home during the Christmas season. However, in recent years he has also been making his mark at Independence.

When The Barbados Advocate visited Mr. Mayers yesterday, he proudly showed off his garden themed “A Bajan Independence”, decked out in the national colours of blue, yellow and black.

He has also adorned the residences of four neighbours who have embraced his community spirit.

“I went all out, I am passionate about this project. And I love that more and more tourists and Barbadians pass by to see it,” the carpenter/joiner expressed.

“It’s a lot of hard work and I am grateful to the sponsors who come on board to assist… It’s a month of planning, but three weeks to set up – day and night, long hours into late night. Yes, a few persons in the community would assist, but too many cooks spoil the broth, I like to do it myself and my way.”

Reminiscing on winning the 50th Anniversary Competition Best Dressed Community Project, Mr. Mayers emphasised the need for such a national competition annually.

“I want someone to challenge me one of these days. They would have to come at me hard because the Lightman pace don’t be easy to catch. But, I think the Government needs to establish a competition. I think its time that people like me, who do such an initiative should be awarded or let’s have a competition offering some prize money, so we can get something back,” he said. (TL)