By: La Shawna Griffith
The month of June in Barbados is filled with deep history as there were significant historical moments that occurred in June, from the Announcement of Barbados’ independence on June 3rd 1966 to the official opening of Frank Collymore Hall on June 23rd 2003.
June 3rd, 1966 is a date that is etched in Barbadian history as on this date the then Government of Barbados announced that Independence would finally be granted on November 30. This decision led to Barbados having constitutional reform, a national flag and national pledge.
Four years after achieving independence, Barbados once again made a substantive stride in education as in June 1970 the Barbados Community College officially opened its doors as a response to the growing demand for tertiary education, allowing children from low income families an opportunity to achieve post secondary education at an affordable cost.
Three years later on July 4th 1973 , Barbados joined Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Guyana to sign the Treaty of Chaguaramas which marked the official founding of CARICOM, which was later revised in 2001 to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy further establishing the free movement of skills, goods, services and capital within the region.
Not only was the month of June major in political and socio-economic enfranchisement, it was also important in sports, as in June 1991, The Rt. Hon. Sir Garfield Sobers was bestowed a major homecoming tribute after receiving numerous international accolades. Persons from across the length and breadth of Barbados lined the streets to witness the week long celebrations which were done to honour the greatest cricketer that the world has ever seen.
These key milestones serve as powerful reminders of the resilience, progress, and pride that continue to shape the Barbadian identity each June.
