Minister of Health and Wellness Ian Gooding-Edghill on Thursday said thanks on behalf of the nation for those who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep Barbados safe.
The Government of Barbados hosted the first Humanitarian Awards Ceremony at Kensington Oval where thousands of frontline workers were recognised in various categories.
Director of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus was among the specially invited guests for the ceremony, which was witnessed by Prime Minister Mia Mottley; National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers; Members of Parliament, other invited guests and members of the public.
On National Heroes Day, Gooding-Edghill hailed those who received awards, because without their unselfish efforts “we as a nation would be far worse off in our still unfinished fight against the threat of the COVID-19 virus”.
“So that while you may not be deemed National Heroes, you have unconsciously, but undoubtedly, defined yourself as heroes to the nation,” he said.
“We in the Ministry of Health and Wellness salute and celebrate the honourees in our still unfinished national series against COVID-19, which we are confident will not result in a draw, far less a defeat, but in an eventual decisive victory for our beloved native land,” he added, making a cricket reference at the Mecca of that sport.
Gooding-Edghill also praised Ghebreyesus for his “continued passionate and confident global leadership at the World Health Organisation which continues to leave an indelible mark on the global community, especially during this COVID-19 phase”.
Mottley, former Minister of Health The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic – who led the team during those first two years of uncertainty – members of his team and people from all sectors were also thanked for their contribution while Barbados weathered that storm.
During the ceremony, The Freedom of Barbados Award, The Gold Award of Achievement, Humanitarian Service Medals, Humanitarian Plaques and the Humanitarian Lapel Pins were distributed on behalf of a grateful nation. (SAT)
