Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner (left) and Christine Blakeley unveiling the plaque stationed in Andrea’s Terrace.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner (left) and Christine Blakeley unveiling the plaque stationed in Andrea’s Terrace. 

MORE TO ENJOY AT GUN HILL

Wed, 04/27/2016 - 12:00am
By: 
Peta Rowe-Forde

 

 
The historic site in the heart of St. George known as the Gun Hill Signal Station (GHSS), now has two additional attractions that all and sundry can enjoy. These features are Andrea’s Terrace, a commemorative garden and historically-accurate wooden carriages on which two cannons donated by the Barbados National Trust (BNT) are mounted.
 
The terrace is named after the Late Andrea Blakeley, daughter of Canadians, Michael and Christine Blakeley, who since their first visit to Barbados in 2006, have been to the island more than 14 times. Prior to 2012, when Andrea succumbed to cancer, the family frequented the signal station, especially since it was one of Andrea’s favourite parts of the island.
 
Sharing on the Government’s behalf was Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner who expressed many thanks on the behalf of the people to the BNT and other involved parties for their initiative. Added to that, the Senator joked that given the number of repeat visits that the couple paid to the island, they are now Honourary Barbadians. While acknowledging their contributions to island, and more recently to the BNT, Sen. Sandiford-Garner stated that ties between Canada and Barbados have long been established mainly because of the special relationships that its people hold.
 
 

Concurring with this sentiment was the Canadian High Commissioner, His Excellency Richard Hanley who stated that a gesture such as this is a testament to the relationship which Barbados and Canada enjoys. He went on to say that this dedication is taking place in a significant year for Barbados and reminded all that Canada was one of the first territories, if not the first, to enjoy diplomatic relations with Barbados.

 

What could generally be described as a “Bitter-sweet” event, ended sweet indeed. As Andrea’s father, Michael, took to the podium last to thank the approximately 30 family and friends who flew in from Canada to be present for the event and all others. In speaking of his late daughter, Michael noted that his daughter was fun-loving, caring and always surrounded with love and so, the plaque was placed in the garden and unveiled by her mother Christine Blakely and Sen. Irene Sandiford-Garner. 

 

Moreover, the canons were unveiled by the Barbados Defence Force and members of the Legion, which bear the names of Michael’s and Christine’s fathers who died in World War II, before they had a chance to meet them. The addition of Andrea’s terrace and the canons aptly coincided with phase-2 of development of GHSS; thus making it more appealing to those who visit. 

 

 

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