Barbadians from across the UK descended on Kempston last weekend to celebrate the 58th anniversary of Barbados Independence and three years as a republic.
At an interdenominational service at the Church of God of Prophecy, Bunyan Road, Pastor Stephen Nelson of the Calvary Church of God in Christ – Cardiff, led the clergy procession as the congregation sang “All things bright and Beautiful”.
A hymn chosen to match the service’s theme of conserving the planet, preserving the future.
Bedfordian, Rafael Francis presented the national flag while his brother Joel Francis read the national pledge of Barbados.
Throughout the celebration, Esther Pitt—Leicester read Bible readings and a poem by Leeds member Sharon Patricia Jones. and International Opera Singer Alison Buchanan, who grew up in Bedford, sang a rendition of The Lord’s Prayer.
This was met with rapturous applause with those in attended commenting that it was “not just powerful and emotional but also uplifting”. Pastor Nelson also responded with an emotional “wow,” before asking Alison to take another bow.
Bishop Wesley Sealy of NTGC Oxford, Carlston Medford of Alleyne Alumni UK, Tyrone Roach, and Olivia Worrell of BOCFA led the prayers.
A further sermon was also delivered by Bishop Richard Trotman, the senior Pastor at this Church of God of Prophecy, followed by another performance, this time by Sandra King who sang, ‘This so sweet to trust in Jesus.
This musical celebration continued as the band kept the tempo at the event in a reggae-like beat with the congregation singing, ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands.”
Barbados High Commissioner, HE Milton Inniss, then delivered the Independence message, followed by the Barbados national anthem.
Organised by the National Council of Barbadian Association UK, a spokesperson said the occasion was “a true reflection of community spirit, with members from all over the UK coming together.
Cedric Lynch sang a medley of Bajan Folk songs by Joseph Niles, inviting the audience to sing along as they swayed from side to side in authentic gospel style, singing tunes like The Royal Telephone and Holy Train, to name a few.
After retrieving the National flag, Pastor Nelson gave the blessing, and the service ended with “Great is thy Faithfulness.” The congregation then headed downstairs for lunch and Conkies with a full Caribbean menu.
Mohammad Yasin, Labour MP for Bedford and Kempston, NCBA Chair Sherry Maxwell and Phillips Alls from the North Pole expedition were among the many invitees.
