Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine Mcclean receiving the Commemorative Broken Trident from a member of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) in the presence of Ambassador to CARICOM, the Hon. Robert “Bobby” Morris; Consul General of Barbados in Toronto, Haynesley Benn; and staff of the Ministry, yesterday.
The Commemorative Broken Trident continued its trek across Barbados, making its way to the Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Culloden Road, St. Michael.
Yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine Mcclean, alongside Ambassador to CARICOM, the Hon. Robert “Bobby” Morris; Consul General of Barbados in Toronto, Haynesley Benn; and staff of the Ministry received the trident which commemorates the 50th anniversary of Barbados’ Independence.
The Senator, who is also the Chairperson of the 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations Co-ordinating Committee said that it was an honour to take part in the activity.
“I am delighted to be part of this ceremony, not only as Minister and Chairperson, but more especially as a fellow Barbadian,” she expressed.
“It is my wish that this simple symbolic act of receiving and displaying the Commemorative Broken Trident, ignites in all of us a greater sense of patriotism as we continue to be loyal sons and daughters and firm craftsmen of our fate.”
The ‘I Pledge’ theme for August – Commit to Barbados (with special emphasis on the diaspora), coincided with the recently concluded Barbados Network Consultation (BNC) 2016, which according to Senator McClean afforded those present the opportunity to see and reflect on the importance of the Broken Trident and make pledges.
“This was a major interest to Barbadians from across the diaspora. In fact they came from as far as Nigeria and Kenya, and near home as the islands of CARICOM. As Barbadians we proudly proclaim that the Broken Trident represents Barbados’ transaction from colonialism to nationhood. To the extent that our diaspora has been in the vanguard of advancing our independence, our democracy and our sense of national sovereignty. It is only fitting that I engage in this task in tribute to the role that these loyal sons and daughters have played over the past 50 years,” she pointed out.
“The Ministry Of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has also been central to our independence project. The core of foreign policy as promoted by this Ministry from its inception has been captured in the phase of our Father of Independence and National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Errol Barrow, when he stated ‘We are friends of all, satellites of none’… This Broken Trident is a fitting portrayal and graphic representation of this general concept of self-identity, self-determination and sovereignty,” the Minister further pointed out.
Since being handed over for the first time by His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave on November 30, 2015, the Broken Trident has ventured into eight parishes. In September, as it moves to another parish, the ‘I Pledge’ theme will be “Perform a Random Act of kindness”.
“As we continue to celebrate and as we move into the final quarter of our year of celebrations, I ask that we all pledge to be good citizens, good neighbours and above all to be good Barbadians,” she said.
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