The Nation Publishing Co Limited received the Award of Recognition for 50 years of service yesterday morning at the Independence Day Parade and National Honours Ceremony which was held at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex in Black Rock, St Michael.
It was the first time that the 5 000 seater venue has hosted the annual cultural showpiece event.
Speaking at the conclusion of the ceremony, Nation Group Chief Executive Officer Noel Wood said it was a distinct honour to have received the award on behalf of the company.
“During our 50th year we reflect and recognise our contribution to Barbados and I want to thank all the persons who contributed to our success. Throughout this year our thoughts were one of gratitude and our comments to the public, the vendors, readers and advertisers as well as the committed staff who caused us to achieve success over the years was thank you.”
Alongside him was Group Advertising Manager Paulette Jones, who shared his sentiment that it was an honour to be at the prestigious event to receive the award presented by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
“Fifty years is nothing to scoff at and it was great for the Government of Barbados and the people of Barbados to actually acknowledge what we do day in and day out. So it’s an honour and thank you,” Jones concluded.
The Nation was coming off the back of a month of 50th anniversary celebrations in November which began on November 12 with a thanksgiving service at St Mary’s Anglican Church. On November 16, there was a lecture by Julian Rogers at the University of West Indies’ Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination on the topic Rediffusion To AI.
The following day, The Nation held its Advertising Cocktail Event and Rum Launch at Foursquare Rum Distillery in St Philip for valued advertisers, some of whom have been a partner since the very start in 1973.
Thousands of participants turned out for the Nation Funathlon on November 19, which was held under the theme Celebrating Legacy and sponsored by Ensure Max Protein.
The Encasement of The Nation’s 50th anniversary time capsule was met with much fanfare at the Harold Hoyte & Fred Gallop Media Complex in Fontabelle, St Michael, on November 23. The capsule was filled with many items which included copies of the Nation newspapers, magazines produced by the media company including Better Health and Smart Homes, a Nation face mask and letters penned by members of the executives and journalists.
Finally, the media house used November 24 to give back to their loyal readers and customers who have supported them over the years with their annual Customer Appreciation Day celebration. From about 10 a.m. customers entering the lobby were greeted with sweet soca tunes played on steel pan and the tantalising aroma of Bajan treats.
