Forde passes heritage to next generation at Ellerton Primary

Barbados flag raised at the Ellerton Primary School. ( Photo by: Lauryn Escamilla) Barbados’ history must remain alive in the minds of younger generations, particularly as the island approaches the 60th anniversary of Independence, according to Barbados Legion member Michael Forde. Forde made the point to pupils during a flag-raising ceremony at Ellerton Primary School in St George on Monday, where he took the children back to November 30, 1966, recounting the historic moment Barbados replaced the Union Jack with the Broken Trident. Ellerton Primary School students engaged in raising flags. (Photo by: Lauryn Escamilla) The Barbados Defence Force veteran said it was important that “our heritage would remain with the younger persons who would not have been around” and for them to appreciate the struggles and milestones that shaped the nation they know today. “It was good to see these children’s faces here, so there would be this continuity. Let us say where we came from and were ruled by others and know that we are now a government of the people, for the people, by the people.” He recalled that November night as midnight approached when the lights around the Garrison Savannah were switched off, plunging the area into darkness. “At which time the Union Jack, which we were under because of the British rule, was lowered in the darkness and our now national flag would have been raised.” You Might Be Interested In He also explained the symbolism behind the flag’s colours and central emblem, pointing to the ultramarine, gold, and black trident as important representations of national identity. Barbados Legion Member Michael Forde. (Photo by: Lauryn Escamilla) Forde also shared the story of the flag’s design in which Parkinson Memorial School art teacher Grantley Prescott’s submission was selected from 1 029 entries in a national competition. He further recalled the role of Premier Errol Walton Barrow, who became the country’s first Prime Minister at Independence. For Forde, however, sharing these historical details with pupils went beyond simply recalling dates and events. It was about ensuring that the younger generation understood that the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today were not always a reality. “As we go forward, the children need to know that this is what happened, that we were not always what we are now, but we were then governed by others,” he said. Ellerton Primary Principal Karen Sealy-Cox said the ceremony provided an opportunity to encourage pupils to “celebrate their identity as we ask them to embrace the Barbadian culture, such as our soca music, our language, our festivals”. The principal also highlighted the importance of recognising Barbadians who have made significant contributions in different fields, pointing pupils towards national heroes and sporting figures including the late Sir Garfield Sobers, West Indies Women’s Cricket Captain Hayley Matthews, and superstar Rihanna. She said preserving the island’s traditions was equally important, noting that even everyday expressions of courtesy formed part of what made Barbadian culture special. “In Barbados, saying good morning, good afternoon, that is practically unique to our culture,” she said. Sealy-Cox stressed that cultural pride must also be reflected in how pupils conduct themselves, encouraging them to uphold honesty, respect, discipline, service and care for the environment. These values, she explained, were closely connected to the school’s theme for the academic year, Grow with Purpose, Rooted in Values, which encourages children to use their individual abilities to make a positive difference. Barbados flag raised at the Ellerton Primary School. ( Photo by: Lauryn Escamilla) The ceremony also marked the beginning of the school’s wider activities leading up to Independence Day, with the principal indicating that pupils would have several opportunities to explore their heritage and celebrate Barbadian culture. Among the upcoming activities is the school’s literacy week, scheduled for November 23 to 27, when the institution will move into what she described as a period of high celebration. The week will provide another opportunity to bring pupils closer to their cultural roots while reinforcing the importance of literacy and the role education plays in shaping their future. (LE)