ANY EVENT that is associated with the celebration of our Independence will have a special place in my heart.

Indeed, for those of us who were privileged to have witnessed that auspicious occasion on November 30, 1966, Barbados' attainment of nationhood will forever remain etched in our minds.

Experience is a great teacher. In 1966, as part of our national celebrations, that famous quartet the Supremes was invited to Barbados to perform and that event was marred by an ugly incident resulting in a semi-riot in Independence Square.

The reason? people just could not hear because of a faulty public address system.

I do not wish to be with any of my children or grandchildren and be a witness to or victim of such an incident again.

That is why, when I attended the Sagicor Life Lighting Ceremony in National Heroes Square last Sunday night, along with the many thousands who were present, I was far from pleased with the quality of sound that came out of the public address system, particularly during the opening speeches. From my standpoint, no attempt was made to correct the fault.

This resulted in several painful cries of protest, quiet though they were, from those who were standing in my area. Now convinced that my hearing was not defective, I approached the technicians and indicated to them that some people could not hear.

One pointed "to whom it may concern". I spoke to the individual, who in turn allowed me to know that the people in front [under the tent] could hear.

Am I to get the impression that the ceremony was for the invited guests only? I am sure that was not the intention of the organisers or sponsors.

Now, I wish to make this clear, and with apologies to no one. Public events are just that, and those who are hired by the Government of Barbados and receive taxpayers' money must understand that they have a responsibility and must be held accountable when blunders and bleeps of this nature occur.

Be that as it may, the performances were quite good by those who appeared on the card, and to my mind, patrons would have left quite satisfied in the end. But it does not alter the fact that mal-functioning equipment have no place at public events - certainly not at Independence celebrations.

This writer just will not stand for it!

- REGINALD HUNTE