00:00And in other topics, Barbados celebrated Sunday the 59th anniversary of its independence
00:05with the inauguration of its second president and activities throughout the country.
00:09More information from Crystal Hoyt, Special Envoy.
00:12Barbados is marking its 59th Independence Day with renewed national pride and a historic moment.
00:20Today's parade featured the installation of Barbados' second president,
00:25Lieutenant Colonel the Most Honourable Geoffrey Bostic, strengthening the country's Republican journey
00:31and reaffirming its identity on the world stage.
00:35We mark not only the beginning of a new liturgical year,
00:40but also the dawn of the second chapter in our presidential history.
00:45The timing of this installation ceremony is a poignant reminder that our democracy is not static,
00:52but dynamic, a journey of hope and transformation.
00:57Just as the Advent season invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of the light,
01:03so too do we prepare ourselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
01:09May the themes of hope, peace, joy and love that guide us through this season
01:15also guide me as I continue in service to my beloved country.
01:21The president's message set the tone for a day focused on renewal, national unity and resilience.
01:28You are a true son of the soil.
01:33For you to have been installed here as our nation's second president,
01:40a couple hundred meters from where you were born brings immense emotion to me.
01:49You have served on this journey in a very quiet, dignified way, performing relentless acts of service to our nation.
02:04First, as a soldier.
02:07Then, as an ADC-2 Governors General of our nation.
02:13Then, as a public servant.
02:16Regional, in helping us to create the security framework for the Joint Regional Communications Centre and the CARICOM Impacts Agency,
02:25ensuring that our Caribbean community benefits from the strongest architecture of security.
02:32And then, of course, sir, as a member of parliament for this wonderful capital city of Bridgetown,
02:38and as we all know in Barbados, as Minister of Health and Wellness.
02:44You are now, sir, our head of state.
02:51And it gives me great joy to be able to address you as your excellency.
02:58From the installation of a new president to nationwide celebrations, Barbados enters its 59th year of independence with hope and a clear sense of direction.
03:10Crystal Hoyt reporting for Telesur, Bridgetown, Barbados.
Comments