IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN 37 years in the making, but on November 28, Barbadians are expected to once again join hands to form a human chain link around the island.
The event is being led by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations Secretariat and non-governmental organisations The Power of Choice and Trident TV.
Chief Education Officer Karen Best told the DAILY NATION the organisers were appealing to more Barbadians to volunteer in a show of national pride. She said everyone seemed to think that the event was just for schoolchildren, but it was open to the public.
“We are in discussion with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and the private sector because we want for the private sector to allow their employees to be a part of this chain link,” she said.
She, however, stressed the value of the event for schoolchildren.
“It gives all of the school population [the chance] to be one on a particular day, to celebrate a particular event, and I thought that Education would have been perfect to spearhead this initiative.”
An event of this kind was last held in Barbados in 1979.
As it stands, 46 246 students from public and private educational institutions have been recorded and four businesses have signed on.
The event is expected to be captured from the air through the use of drones and other available technology.
It will take place at major roads around Barbados – Highway 1, Checker Hall through St Lucy’s Parish Church, Charles Duncan O’Neal Highway, Ermie Bourne Highway, Bathsheba, Horse Hill, Bowling Alley, Coach Hill, Sargeant Street, Bayfield, Long Bay, Crane, Gemswick, Fairy Valley, Oistins, Highway 7 and Bridgetown.
The volunteers are expected to be present at their spots by 9 a.m. where they will join hands, sing the National Anthem and recite the National Pledge.
The event will officially start at 10:15 a.m. and will include the passing of about 250 to 300 Tridents created by schoolchildren.
Those interested in participating can contact the Independence Secretariat at 535-0763/64. (TSG)
