Barbadians and friends in Atlanta celebrated the 51st anniversary of Independence of their homeland with a gala at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Decatur, Georgia, recently.
They also marked the 32nd anniversary of the founding of The Barbados Association of Atlanta by honouring two people who made sterling contributions over the years.
Michael Drayton who served as treasurer and president during many of the testing years, and is now recovering from a serious medical setback, received an award, as did Bernie Layne, wife of Dr Ed Layne, former Honorary Consul in Atlanta.
In addition to her pro bono advice as an attorney with a large immigration-focused practice, Layne has over the years been the silent partner behind the eventual success of the major functions.
The gala also saw the revival of The Pelican Award given to students at the high school level who are demonstrating they are worthy of being singled out for their promise as future scholars and leaders.
Two students were recognised this year. They were Jason Greaves-Taylor, a recent graduate of Combermere School who plans to enter a junior college here in Atlanta and Taylor Weekes, a 15-year-old Grade 11 local student.
Weekes is in the maths, science And technology programme and is member of the Governor’s Robot Designer Competitors Team for her high school. She is a debate and Mock Parliament leader and also does volunteer work in her local community. After completing the 12th Grade, she plans to study electrical engineering.
Dr Layne, who also subscribed $500 to the scholarship fund on behalf of each student, handed out The Pelican Award.
The guest speaker was Barbadian Lewis S. Hunte, Q.C., a former attorney general of The British Virgin Islands and magistrate in the Barbados Courts. He gave an informative talk on Barbados history and development. (PR/SAT)
