The line of marchers covered Culloden Road. (Pictures Charles Grant.)

by Carlos Atwell

The annual May Day parade had its solemn and festive moments yesterday.

Thousands of workers started after 9 a.m. with an orderly walk from the Garrison Savannah to Culloden Road, St Michael, where there was the laying of wreaths at the statue of National Hero Sir Frank Walcott who was an internationally recognised and respected trade unionist.

Prayers were said by the dean of St Michael's Cathedral, Frank Marshall.

Once due homage was paid to Sir Frank's memory, the observance took on a festive atmosphere that resembled Crop-Over celebrations, minus the colourful costumes.

Pulsating rhythms blaring from music trucks turned the walkers into dancers, with some engaging in steamy wuk-up sessions.

It was a hot day but the participants were well equipped with cold beverages and bottled water to keep them refreshed.

The parade, which reached Browne's Beach, Bay Street, after midday, and ended with speeches, presentations, feasting and entertainment, was deemed a success, with many people saying it was the biggest in recent years.

Barbados Shipping & Trading alone showed up with 700 people in the parade, which was headed by general secretary of the Barbados Workers' Union Sir Roy Trotman, accompanied by a host of union officials and members.

There were also representatives of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados – which Sir Roy heads – the Ministries of Labour and Tourism and various HIV/AIDS organisations.

At Culloden Road, the parade was joined by the Barbados Youth Service, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and Brownies.

They travelled across Belleville, the bottom of Government Hill, Tweedside Road, Roebuck Street, Crumpton Street, St Michael's Row, Bridge Street, Probyn Street, Bay Street, and on to Browne's Beach.

Other participating organisations included the Central Bank of Barbados, Bico, Cable & Wireless, Barbados Light & Power, Barbados National Oil Company, Barbados Water Authority, Banks Holdings, and Barbados Port Inc.

A small contingent of Guyanese who work in Barbados, with Guyana's honorary consul Norman Faria at the forefront, also participated.