REMEMBRANCE DAY OBSERVED IN B’DOS

BARBADOS joined countries across the globe yesterday in observing Remembrance Sunday. Soldiers who died in the two World Wars and remaining war veterans were remembered.
An adapted Remembrance Day Parade and Virtual Interdenominational Memorial Service was held in National Heroes’ Square, The City in recognition of this solemn occasion.
Due to existing COVID-19 health and safety protocols, this year’s event was brief and without some of the traditional elements. The Barbados Regiment (BR) provided the Guard of Honour, with the Queen’s and the Regimental Colours being carried on Parade. The other troops on Parade were the Cenotaph Sentries, Flag Bearers, Wreath Bearers, the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) Band and eight members of the
Barbados Legion.
Members of the public in small numbers were present in Bridgetown to witness the morning’s proceedings, which were carried live on television and on various online sites.
After the last dignitary, who was Barbados’ Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, arrived, the Parade got underway. Cannons were fired at 8 a.m. sharp as Parliament’s clock chimed. This signal the start of proceedings while at the same time, it commenced the two minutes of silence that was observed to pay respect to the fallen.
At its conclusion, Parade Commander, Captain (Capt.) Ashton Caddle gave the signal for arms to be presented for the last post. Next wreaths were laid by dignitaries around the foot of the Cenotaph. The first to do this was the Governor General. She was followed by Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley; Leader of the Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley; and United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Linda S. Taglialatela.
Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Commodore (Cdre) Errington Shurland and Commissioner of Police of the RBPF, Richard Boyce, were the next individuals to lay wreaths. Both newly appointed, it was their first time while in these posts to do this.
The final wreath was laid by Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Neville Edwards, who rep- resented the Barbados Legion.
A short Interdenominational Memorial Service took place afterwards. It was conducted jointly by two chaplains, one of whom was BDF’s chaplain, Reverend Joel Cumberbatch. The order of the Service included the reading of Ecclesiastes Chapter 44 verses 1-10 and 13-14, prayers being offered and the song, ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’ being rendered.