By Sheria Brathwaite
It was a proud moment for 22 parishioners of St Philip when they were lauded for their contributions to the development of the community and nation-building.
On Sunday evening during the St Philip North’s award ceremony at St Mark’s Resource Centre in Blades Hill, St Philip, organiser
Esther Sargeant said the parish has produced several prominent men and women who are revered for their outstanding work and it was only fitting that they were honoured as pillars of the community.
“St Philip has been known to lead in many areas such as sports, music, culture, politics, carnival, trade unionism and the list goes on.
These pillars stabilise the parish and keep the communities from crashing – be it the church, community nursing, legal representation, HIV/AIDS education and education reformation at the primary, secondary and tertiary level,” she said.
“Philippines have pride in putting others before self and pride in putting parish and Barbados before self and this can be seen through various implementations of projects to keep the persons in the community engaged and focused.
“We are not selfish people and recognise that for the community to strive, for the parish to thrive and for Barbados to thrive we need everyone to get onboard and put hands to the plough.”
Among those who received awards were former Member of Parliament for St Philip North Michael Lashley, who was toasted for his contributions to law, politics and community development; Joseph Goddard for his contributions in trade unionism and Addington
Forde and The Most Honourable Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire for their contributions to culture. Other awardees included the Queen of St Philip’, Marcelle Rudder- Clarke, who is well known for her contribution to local radio talk shows; Sergeant Roy Thompson, Ulric Sealy, Zelma Ward and Clandice Gooding.
Sargeant thanked sponsors the City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union, Dis Ole House Restaurant Savannah Hotel, D Stefan Sobers and BET Co-operative Credit Union for making the event possible.
sheriabrathwaite@ barbadostoday.bb