Historic Day for Barbados Celebrated with Steelpan Instrument
Pride of Nationhood: Declaration of the Republic and Installation of the President of Barbados
Fireworks peppered the sky at midnight as Barbados officially became a republic, with screens set up across the island so people could watch the event that featured an orchestra with more than 100 steel pan players and numerous artists. It was also broadcast online, prompting a flurry of excited messages from Bajans living in the U.S., Canada and beyond. -- USA Today
Bridgetown, Barbados, W.I. - Barbados replaced Britain’s Queen Elizabeth as head of state, forging a new republic with its first-ever President, Her Excellency Sandra Mason (the former Governor General), and severed its last remaining colonial bonds nearly 400 years after the first English ships arrived on the Caribbean island.
“The creation of this republic offers a new beginning,” said Prince Charles. “From the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery which forever stains our history, people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.”
Several artists, including Barbados’ 100-plus-player National Youth Steel Orchestra, performed as part of the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony events to mark the birth of the new Republic of Barbados on November 29, 2021.
The song “This is who we are” arranged by Mark Forde, was just one of several performed by the steel orchestra, under the musical direction of Lowrey Leon.
The country’s transition to a republic became official at midnight.
Related content:
- Barbados republic: Unsentimental locals ask ‘what relationship?’ as Queen is removed as head of state
- Pride of Nationhood: Declaration of the Republic and Installation of the President of Barbados
The National Youth Steel Orchestra sporting “We are who we are”
tee shirts in the national colors of the Republic of Barbados
The National Youth Steel Orchestra of the Republic of Barbados
The National Youth Steel Orchestra of the Republic of Barbados
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