As Barbados celebrates 60 years of Independence and five years as a Republic, the nation will come together in thanksgiving on Sunday, November 22, at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael, for the annual National Thanksgiving Service.
The service, hosted by the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector, will begin at 10:00 a.m. under the theme “Anchored by Legacy, Sustained by Resilience”.
Details of the multi-faith event were outlined during a press briefing at the Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael, today.
The service will feature performances by the bands of The Barbados Police Service and the Barbados Defence Force, as well as a combined choir of 80 to 100 adult singers from parishes across the island and the National Youth Choir, comprising school children.
District Superintendent of the Barbados Nazarene District, Reverend Dr. Anderson Kellman, will officiate, while the Acting Superintendent of the Moravian Church, Reverend Dr. Adrian Smith, will deliver the sermon.
Reverend Kellman said the service comes at a pivotal time in the nation’s history and will reflect Barbados’ rich cultural and faith heritage.
“I believe that faith is a very important part of our sustenance as a people, in terms of maintaining our focus and our connection with God, that anchor that comes from being connected to God, and therefore, I want everybody to be a part of this special service on Sunday, 22nd of November,” he stated.
Senior Administrative Officer with the Ministry, Roslyn Springer, outlined details of the musical programme, noting that music would be a central feature of the service.
She said music is “central to our national identity”, and is often used to bring unity, tell stories, celebrate achievements, and reminds Barbadians of the values and traditions that have shaped them.
“For this very special Thanksgiving service, we prepared a musical programme that promises to be both inspiring and memorable, combining the dignity of sacred music with the vibrant rhythms and musical traditions of Barbados….
“As we celebrate 60 years of independence, we are not simply looking back at our achievements. We are also looking forward to the next generation of Barbadians who will carry our nation’s traditions, values, and cultural heritage into the future,” Ms. Springer added.
Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer at the Transport Board, Lynda Holder, announced that the Board will provide free transportation to patrons attending the service from selected locations across the island.
“So, for this particular event, the Board will be distributing services from each of our locations… Each [bus] service starts at 8:30 a.m.… You have to leave the bus stand by a certain time if you want to get to the service on time, so there will be services from the Princess Alice Terminal, the Granville Williams Terminal, our Oistins Sub Terminal, and the Speightstown Terminal.
“In addition to that, we are also going to have a service departing from Six Roads, and … Belleplaine…. That is to make sure that everyone is able to get to the service without any challenges.” Ms. Holder added that return transportation will also be provided at the conclusion of the Thanksgiving Service.
