On Saturday 30 November, Barbados will celebrate 53 years of independence.

Various national and community events will be held around the island to mark the occasion, culminating on November 30th, which is a public holiday.

National Service of Thanksgiving

Day / Time: Sunday 24 November at 3.30pm

Location: Garfield Sobers Gymnasium

Members of the public are invited to attend a National Service of Thanksgiving to mark Barbados’ 53rd anniversary of Independence under the theme ‘One Nation, One Love, One Light’.

The preacher will be Bishop Dr. Gerry Seale of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies.

Music will be provided by the Band of the Royal Barbados Police Force, the National Independence Service Mass Choir, the choir of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Moramus Singers, and the Royal Diadems.

People attending the service are asked to be seated by 2.45pm.

Independence Day Parade

Day / Time: Saturday 30 November at 8am

Location: Kensington Oval

This year’s Independence Parade is themed ‘2020 We Gatherin’: United Against NCDs.’

The event will simultaneously promote the Government’s 2020 initiative to invite Barbadians living abroad to visit the island next year, while also addressing the ongoing problem of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

Announcing details of the parade to the media, Minister of Health Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, said the event will have three phases.

The first phase will feature the traditional ceremonial parade and toast to the nation from uniformed organisations. That will be followed by a march through Bridgetown where the Prime Minister will take her salute at Heroes’ Square. The third phase, dubbed the ‘We Procession’, is a march through Bridgetown to the Independence Arch.

During the parade the Barbados Defence Force will also hold a display to mark its 40-year anniversary.

Yello wishes Barbados a happy 53rd Independence Day.