Barbados Becomes A Republic At Midnight

(Barbados Government Information Service Press Release) All systems are go for the grand cultural celebration and Declaration of the Republic and Installation of the President, slated to start at 7:30 tonight.

The cultural celebration features the debut of the newly-reconstructed National Youth Steel Orchestra, which has 100-plus pan players, from ages 8 and older.  

Under the musical direction of Lowrey Worrell, the orchestra will play many of the traditional Bajan favourites, as we celebrate the island’s 55th year of Independence and its move to a Parliamentary Republic.

The Steel Orchestra will perform in Independence Square.  Then at 8:30 p.m., at National Heroes Square, the creme de la creme of Bajan talent, including Biggie Irie, TC, Edwin, Peter Ram, will perform with a band under the leadership of musical director Dr. Nicholas Brancker.

Around 11 p.m., there will be the official ceremony with the installation of our first President, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason. Present will be His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, who arrived on island last night.

Read more at: Barbados Government Information Service

Source: CARICOM TODAY