Barbados celebrates 57th Anniversary of Independence

Barbados marked the 57th Anniversary of Independence with the annual parade and national awards ceremony on Thursday.

With none of the traditional venues available, the pomp and pageantry took place at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex, where 35 Barbadians were conferred with national honours.

Receiving the highest award, the Order of the Freedom of Barbados, were statesman The Most Honourable Reginald Farley; disability advocate, The Most Honourable Kerryann Ifill; and banker, The Most Honourable Dodridge Miller.

Honorary Orders were also conferred on President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame; and president of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali.

People across civil society, including the civil service, media, arts, medicine, philanthropy, sports and the armed services were among the other recipients.

Meanwhile, the armed and unarmed units marched in the annual parade which took a new route from the Lazaretto through Walmer Lodge, and along Black Rock Main Road before ending at Carlton cricket ground.

In her address, Prime Minister Mottley looked towards the future, speaking on the six Mission goals which were announced in May as the pathway for a developed Barbados.

She ended with cheers to the country.

More coverage online and in print.