Barbados Celebrates 54th Independence Day

Independence days can often act as liberating outlets to celebrate culture. For Barbados, this will be no different. Yesterday saw Barbadians (or the local term Bajans) both at home and in the diaspora celebrate the 54th year since the small island country gained its Independence from the British. This made it the fourth in quick succession to gain independence from Britain in 1966 after Lesotho, Guyana and Botswana. Errol Barrow dubbed 'the father of independence' and one of the nation’s greatest heroes became the first Prime Minister of Barbados in 1966 and remains the only individual to have presided over this nation twice.

His significance for the country cannot be overstated, and it is difficult to tell the story of Barbados without highlighting the work of the man. Having been born in his native Barbados he would then serve in the RAF. He went on to study at the London School of Economics in 1947 before returning to his homeland as a lawyer in 1950 and representing the Barbados Labour Party as a member of parliament in 1951. His outlook for change, however, would not subside and he went on to form the Democratic Labour Party. Through the party, he was better able to push through on the expansion of tourism to reduce dependence on sugar, introduce free education and of course the all too important matter of independence. There were notable achievements in trade too, with the co-creation of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA).

Errol Barrow (pictured left) dubbed 'The Father of Independence'.

His second term in office was tragically cut short only a year into its tenure, but the nation has remained a symbol of stability and vibrancy in the Caribbean region. This sense of vibrancy is difficult to strip from the identity of Barbados. Anglophone countries, in particular, have greatly benefited from Bajan influence in music, the arts as a whole and most importantly in its communities.

Now led by Mia Amor Mottley QC, MP, Barbados continues down a positive path. It's handling of the pandemic, which has troubled much of the western world, has stood out as diligent but most importantly effective. Quoting from “Barbados Today”, during her national address in National Heroes Square yesterday, the Prime Minster said:

“And for the most obvious group of persons ... those who are literally our front line workers ... Our Parliament will have laid before it a special piece of legislation to confer the Barbados Humanitarian Medal for all of our frontline workers in this country regardless of where they fought ... the Government will also seek to amend the National Heroes Act in order to be able to ensure that the island can confirm more than one Gold Medal of Achievement for extraordinary service and causes that literally have protected Barbados over the course of the previous year.”

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley QC, MP.

Its visitor industry has undoubtedly been hit, but the beauty of the island from its famed beaches, to historic heritage spaces, means that it will be well-placed to recoup visitor numbers when normalcy resumes. The innovative decision to introduce the Barbados Welcome Stamp in which visitors can relocate to Barbados and work from home in the sunshine for 12 months is a step in the right direction. Earlier in the year, Barbados also took the decision to remove the Queen as the island’s Head of State and points toward a renewed emphasis on self identity for the nation as a whole.

Yesterday's celebrations were understandably mooted in comparison to previous years. Restrictions imposed by the pandemic meant that citizens were unable to flood the streets as may otherwise have been the case, yet online Bajans have made their pride and celebratory feelings known.

It was interesting that in her speech, the Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley referred to the upcoming immigration bill and her belief that although current laws meant that only parents are allowed to grant citizenship by descent to their offspring, the most natural connection was to grandchildren and even great grandchildren. This change to citizenship law would deepen the ties between the state and a number of citizens who would otherwise have gone untied to the island. In truth though, despite its size, the Island's culture, charm and heritage has meant that its roots have long extended across the globe. It's why those in OBV's offices and elsewhere have made sure to wish Barbados a Happy Independence Day.

Mayowa Ayodele

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