National Independence Thanksgiving Service to Feature Diverse Youth Participation, with Interfaith Representation Announced

The youth will be a key part of this year’s National Independence Thanksgiving Service.

And the National Planning Committee announced Thursday that they will come from various religions.

Speaking at a press conference to provide details of the November 26 service which will be held at the Wildey Gymnasium from 10 a.m. under the theme, Embracing our Heritage with Grace and Thanks, committee member Reverend Erma Ambrose said: “The National Planning Committee decided that this year we should focus on youth participation. With that in mind, we will be sharing from the youth. Some of these youths are drawn from all across Barbados and the various denominations. We have some Christians, Hindus, the Jewish community, Muslims, some of everybody will be there participating actively.”

“We will also have dance because dance is a part of our worship and cultural celebrations, so the dance is being done by Covenant Life Dance Group and that will be something to see and to embrace. The Presentation of the National Flag this year will be done by the Barbados Scouts Association. And the sermon, because everybody likes to hear the word of the Lord, the sermon this year will be given by Bishop Dr Kenroy Burke, the Administrative Bishop and the National Overseer of the New Testament Church of God. As customary, the combined choir will be 75 voices strong, and renowned organist musician Julian Bowen [will be leading the choir]”.

In addition to intercessory prayers for the nation, a student from the Irving Wilson School will lead the congregation in the National Pledge.

This year for the first time, Barbadians will be able to attend the service without requiring tickets.

Communications Chair Senator Pat Parris said the venue can accommodate 800 persons and gave the assurance that there would be a smooth flow of traffic as the Barbados Police Service will lead the process.

“Persons do not have to have tickets for the service…. The service is open to the public. I know some of you would normally worship at your church on a Sunday, but trust me, I am a church person and when I attend the service at the gymnasium, I am not missing anything,” she said as she invited Barbadians to come together and give thanks as the country celebrates 57 years of nationhood.

Reverend Ambrose also urged those attending the service to be seated by 9:15 a.m., before the official start of the proceedings, to hear congratulatory messages from various religious and community leaders from across the diaspora.