By Sheria Brathwaite
Kensington Oval was transformed into a spectacle of youth as Barbados held its first-ever National Youth Parade.
It was a sight to behold when more than 300 participants, all under 30 years old, put on a paramilitary display before other young people, older Barbadians, President Dame Sandra Mason, and other officials.
Children as young as four years old took part in the parade, dancing with the Barbados Landship and moving to the beat of the Tuk Band.
The groups in the parade comprised the Barbados Youth Advanced Corps, the Cadet Corps, the Barbados Fire Service Cadets Corps, the Sea Cadets, an unarmed infantry, an armed infantry, the Barbados Boys Scouts and the Girl Guides Association.
Deeming it a celebration of youth, the public relations liaison officer of the Ministry of Youth Kurlyne Alleyne explained that the parade, the first of its kind, was one of two activities to mark the Commonwealth Year of the Youth 2023 and Caribbean Youth Day, which is commemorated on September 30.
She said this year, instead of just having a procession to Queen’s Park following a church service, the organisers wanted to plan a grand event where young people could show off their drill and parade skills.
After the parade, the Prime Minister of the Barbados Youth Parliament Nicholai Peters gave the youth in attendance encouraging words of advice.
He said it was important to give young people an opportunity and a platform to develop and hone their skills and show what they are made of, regardless of social or economic status.
Once given a chance, he said, “Whatever you do, put your best foot forward.”
Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith said his ministry was doing all it could to remove barriers in the way of young people from striving.
Commending those who participated in and organised the parade on a job well done, Griffith said the Government, through his ministry, had implemented a number of initiatives to give at-risk youth a second chance so that they too could contribute to society in a meaningful way.
The minister said it was time for young people to shine and realise the potential within them.
After the parade, the young people proceeded to Queen’s Park.
The uniformed groups marched through Fontabelle, Cheapside, St Mary’s Row, Broad Street, Heroes Square, St Michael’s Row, and Constitution Road toward the south gate of Queen’s Park.
Along the journey, they were greeted by scores of onlookers who waved, took pictures and cheered them on.
The parade climaxed with a cultural extravaganza talent showcase, featuring several young people performing musical renditions, songs, dance and spoken word.
The theme of these events was Energise, Engage, Empower and Envision.
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