Just after midnight, at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, the world welcomed it's newest republic - the Caribbean island of Barbados! 😊
Greetings to everyone who visited the page since the end of October.👋
Those of you who are not new to the blog know that in November the focus is on things Barbadian.
As I considered this November's topic, I wanted to pay tribute to a deceased trio who excelled in very different ways. Then Prime Minister, the Hon. Mia Mottley threw a Republic inauguration surprise - by announcing Robyn Rihanna Fenty as Barbados' 11th National Hero. Rihanna and her success has been one of my fave subjects in recognition of Barbados' Independence celebrations as you will see when you follow the links all the way back to my first feature on her for a school project.
Rihanna sits pretty at Barbados' inaugural Republic Status celebrations
Still I cannot post this blog without a few words on the late Dennis "DJ" Johnson, who died on November 2, 2021. He interviewed me and the team from work on more than one occasion during promotional segments and I used to work with his wife, Joycelyn. They would give me a lift to work on several occasions when they saw me at the bus stop decades ago. So I had to acknowledge his passing - publicly.
This much-loved veteran broadcaster was known for his frank comments as a talk show host of a popular call-in programme, "Down to Brass Tacks", and his exquisite musical taste when he was on-duty as an announcer - among other admirable traits. Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, the Hon. Wilfred Abrahams gave a fitting tribute on the late broadcaster.
Veteran broadcaster, Dennis Johnson, at the mic doing what he loves
Other Barbadians who recently died and who made an indelible mark on Barbados in their specific fields of expertise were entrepreneur as well as Barbados and regional cricket legend, Rawle Brancker, and business magnate Sir Charles Williams, whose company literally "Moved the earth to please" as their popular slogan states in keeping with their major work as road builders and upscale real estate developers. May they rest in peace.
In tribute to these remarkable men, here is Edwin Yearwood's cover of Moving On (he is not featured, only the studio team).
For those who have not realized it, Barbados now has a President - Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason. So, the island has a female Prime Minister, a new and only second female National Hero, and a new female President.
Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason
Here's to the world's newest republic - Barbados! 🥂
