Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has launched Barbados’ 60th Independence anniversary celebrations by declaring every Friday from now through November 30 as “Barbados Day.”
Mottley made the announcement in a video address marking the start of the three-month countdown to Independence Day. Barbados will celebrate 60 years of independence and five years as a republic on November 30, a milestone being promoted under the theme “60 and 5.”
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She encouraged Barbadians at home and abroad to embrace the occasion by wearing the national colours of blue, gold and black, displaying the national flag and sharing photographs with family, friends and colleagues.
Mottley said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Barbados’ development, remember the challenges the country has overcome and look ahead with confidence.
The celebrations will feature a range of national and community activities, including a major clean-up and beautification campaign, “Leh We Paint Barbados,” as well as the “My Voice My Barbados” national oration competition for students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
A lecture series and national concert are also planned, along with a President’s Gala, the reopening of the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre and the unveiling of the long-awaited Newton Slave Memorial. Traditional Independence events, including NIFCA, the City lighting ceremony, Spirit of the Nation, the Food and Rum Festival, the National Parade and Ecumenical Service, will also return.
The celebrations will culminate with the Prime Minister’s Cup football tournament, while the National Organising Committee is expected to release a full calendar of activities and provide guidance for communities and organisations wishing to stage their own events.
Mottley also announced that an official “60 and 5” logo will be unveiled shortly, with businesses, organisations and community groups expected to receive information on how they can use it as part of the national celebrations.
With Barbados approaching six decades of independence and its fifth anniversary as a republic, the government is encouraging citizens to make the period leading up to November 30 a national expression of pride, reflection and celebration.
