Historic changing of the guard

FOR 100 WEEKS, once a week, the men of the Sentries and Corps of Drums of Barbados have been wowing audiences with their re-enactment of the changing of the guard.
The ceremony takes place in front of the Main Guard of the historic Garrison and involves an impressive drum routine complete with a segment featuring the striking of each other’s drumsticks.
The 100th guard change – a replica of the hourly ceremony which took place in the 19th century – was attended by Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy, as well as Chinese Ambassador Xu Hong; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture Ruth Blackman; Barbados Defence Force Chief of Staff Colonel Alvin Quintyne; and other officials.
The event also drew summer campers as well as tourists and locals.
The main focus of the event was the unveiling of the official corps logo which features a .303 rifle, a treble clef and the Clock Tower.
Here, members of the Sentries and Corps of Drums of Barbados admiring the new logo. (CA)(Picture by Nigel Browne.)