Glory, a two and a half hour musical drama, will depict the coming of the army to Barbados.

The Salvation Army was started in East London in 1865. Today its Barbados arm boasts 18 officers and 5 000 members operating from headquarters on Reed Street, Brdgetown, and through 11 churches spread across the island.

Prime Minister David Thompson has acknowledged the contribution of the organisation, lauding it as an "unsung hero of Barbados' history, which brought a disciplined approach to the salvation of souls and the social and economic upliftment of a people".

The Prime Minister's remarks were made while addressing an anniversary dinner hosted by the Army's Advisory Board at Colony Club Hotel last week.

He said the Salvation Army had been "weaving a safety net to prevent citizens from falling through the cracks in our society and into a state of hopelessness and vagrancy".

The Prime Minister's observations were supported by Divisional Commander Major Dewhurst Jonas who spoke about the "excitement" derived from being able to bring comfort "to those who would otherwise suffer".

The army is perhaps best known for its feeding and welfare programmes on the island, and the Divisional Commander disclosed that plans are in train for the building of a hostel for women.

Three major benefactors, Cave Shepherd & Company Limited, Super Centre Limited and Triton Group, were honoured for their contribution, with the presentation of the Salvation Army's Others Award.