In consultation are (from left) Captain Leon Duke from the Iron Duke; Captain Clayton Marshall of the Queen Mary; Mr. Clyde Gollop, a patron of the Barbados Landship Association; Captain Dacosta Eversley of Vanguard; and Fleet Captain of the Director, Vernon Watson.
THE tireless work of the late Lord High Admiral Captain Vernon Watson to keep the Barbados Landship afloat over the years continues to be recognised and heralded across Barbados and the wider Diaspora.
Captain Watson, as he was familiarly known, passed away on January 9 at the age of 89. He was promoted to Lord High Admiral when the association celebrated its 145th anniversary in 2008 and was also awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen in 1998. He was said to be fascinated by the Barbados Landship from an early age.
His contribution to one of the most recognised, iconic national organisations has been acknowledged and celebrated by many including Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
According to Prime Minister Mottley: “His dedication to the ship was total and all-consuming. For close to 75 years it dominated his vision as he contemplated how he could secure the legacy of the organisation he led.
“My heart breaks at his passing, for in him I have always recognised a Bajan who for three quarters of a century had dedicated his life to the sustenance of an indigenous institution that started its mission of reflecting our culture many moons before he became a member – indeed in the nineteenth century.”
Prime Minister Mottley noted that every Barbadian who is culturally aware and conscious of what it means to be Bajan, ought to pause and say thanks to him for breathing fresh life into the Barbados Landship. “I have always maintained that the Barbados Landship is an indigenous service club, whose existence pre-dates all others existing locally.”
The Barbados Landship is a cultural movement and organisation, known for its entertaining parades, performances and signature dances. Members are said to mimic the British Navy, dressed in naval uniforms and marching and performing to the music of the Tuk Band. The Barbados Advocate takes a look back at some of the performances of the Barbados Landship over the years, capturing a glimpse into the life of Captain Watson which was steeped in service to Barbados.