For some Independence is a holiday
A day away from school
Or a chance for working people
To put down their pens and tools.
It could mean a time to indulge
In the folk culture of the day
As Barbadians reminisce and recall
Through singing, mime and play.
For some it is the eating of conkies
And other seasonal foods
Or displaying old fashion appliances
Which have been long removed.
For some it’s reflecting on the past
And the simple way of living
When the community was a family
And life was not so distressing.
For others it is the nostalgia
Of things uniquely Barbadian:
Our language, our songs, our rituals
That defines for the world a bajan.
But more than all of the above
And none of these should be omitted
Independence is a purpose
To which we all should be committed.
The charter and object of self-rule
As a responsible and loving people
With faith in God and peace with all
As two fundamental principles.
A people of unity and respect
In spite of our diverse skills and ideas
Charting a model for the wider world
Recognized as the bajan way.
A proud yet humble people
Working and supporting one another
With pride and industry our motto
And every Barbadian a brother.
Weathering the storms together
As we sail our ship of state
Trusting in God as our helmsman
And being craftsmen of our fate.
Stewart Russell © November 2018
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