Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Stephen Lashley (left), holding young Ashay Rollock of Ignatius Byer as they admire one of the Christmas trees in The City. Looking on is New Zealand High Commissioner to Barbados, Her Excellency Jan Henderson (at right), and other Ignatius Byer students.
Focus on sharing and caring
MINISTER OF CULTURE, Youth and Sports, Stephen Lashley, is encouraging Barbadians to not only enjoy the goodness of Christmas, but to also move into the new year recognising that there are opportunities of change and renewal awaiting them.
Lashley is urging the people of the nation to meet 2018 with confidence, inspired by what has to be done to keep Barbados successful and to ensure that in the eyes of the Commonwealth, this country remains a champion of everything that is jubilant and everything that is progressive and productive.
The Minister made the call as he delivered remarks during the opening ceremony of the Royal Commonwealth Society of Barbados Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, at Independence Square, The City, on Thursday evening.
He also advised those gathered to remember the meaning of Christmas. He told them not to get too caught up with the commercial aspect of the season, as sharing and caring must continue to be the focus of Christmas.
“So the message that I would want to leave with you – even as I compliment the Royal Commonwealth Society of Barbados and all of the partners, especially the young ones who were very instrumental in making all of this reality – that message would be to let this Christmas be one in which you underscore the importance of sharing, the importance of caring, the importance of ensuring that Christmas still be the joy of Christ child.
“Seek out that one, or two, or three, or even more persons who are less fortunate than ourselves and help them to experience a Christmas of joy and love. I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you a joyous and blessed Christmas,” Lashley said.
Cheryll Sealy-Belle, Chairperson of the Royal Commonwealth Society Barbados Branch, who is also the Regional Coordinator for the Royal Commonwealth Society International, said almost 90 Christmas trees have been strategically placed in The City. She said the programme was started about four years ago to not only give The City that special touch at Christmas time, but to educate students about Commonwealth countries.
“Every year it has grown. It started out in primary schools and then it evolved into secondary schools, and then all the youth groups in Barbados,” she said. (AH)