BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – A few hours after the island became the newest republic in the English-speaking Caribbean, Barbados Tuesday is bestowing honors on 87 of its nationals as the island also observes its 55th anniversary of political independence from Britain.
President Dame Sandra Mason hands over honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados award to Britain’s Prince Charles (WPA POOL / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)While most of the awards will go to those involved in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the COVID-19 leadership team of seven will share the Order of Freedom of Barbados, the same honor that had been bestowed on Dame Sandra Mason, who became Barbados first President of the Republic.
Britain’s Prince Charles, who witnessed the island’s transition from a realm to a republic within the Commonwealth received the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados. The award is in recognition of his support for the efforts of developing countries in the area of climate change and sustainable development and fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship among young people globally.
The members of the COVID-19 leadership team who will share the apex honor include Minister of Health Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic with the others being the head of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on COVID, Senator Jerome Walcott, Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George, head of Quarantine Facilities Dr. Corey Forde, Director of the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory Dr Songee Beckles, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Janet Phillips and Alies Jordan, Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office. .
They are being honored for their “committed, untiring and outstanding leadership” while veteran hotelier, Peter Odle receives the same award for “committed and outstanding contribution to tourism and the hospitality sectors and civic duties”.
Former Barbados and West Indies cricket opening batsman Desmond Haynes; prominent businessman Bertram Hall and multiple calypso monarch Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire are also receiving the Order of the Freedom of Barbados.
The second highest honor, the Gold Trident of Excellence, has gone to five people for their distinguished national achievement and merit, including former president of the Senate Rudolph Cappy Greenidge, Anthony Pickering, Nisha L. Hiramand Thani, John Richard Alleyne and Juliet Skinner.
The Gold Trident of Excellence was also conferred on five Barbadians, including Peter Adonijah Alleyne for his distinguished contribution to culture and journalism and church leader Reverend Vincent Wood.
Among the five individuals who have been given the Silver Trident of Excellence honor is Secretary of the Muslim Community of Barbados Sulieman Bulbulia for his commitment to seeing Barbados become a place of inclusivity and mutual respect.
Broadcaster Larry Mayers has also been conferred with this national honor for his long and distinguished career in broadcasting and his passion for community engagement, which led to the birth of the popular Q in the Community.
The new Gold Award of Achievement honors 48 people for their extraordinary service to the country on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
