Kerina Hall Blog

God bless Bim on Independence Day   Independence Day   Independence Day   God bless Bim on Independence Day   God bless Bim we hope and pray   This little little island in the middle of the sea   In the middle of the sea   In the Caribbean sea   This little little island in the middle of the sea   It means the world to me . One of our folk songs.  This brings back memories of school days.  We would sing this song every time Independence came around. Indeed, we depend on God’s blessings as a nation.  We can and should never forget Him. Our island has been through its ups and downs, but with His help we have been able to weather the storms – natural and otherwise. Speaking of storms, ‘Hurricane Janet’ in 1955 was one storm which caused major damage.  At that time weather forecasting was not what it is today.  So many were caught off-guard when it arrived. But we managed to survive and ...

Conkies – the Bajan delicacy I wait all year for!  O, for a conkie! To the uninitiated, a conkie is a local delicacy we make at Independence. It is a concoction of corn flour, coconut (grated), pumpkin, sweet potato, milk, butter, raisins, sugar, spice, nutmeg… These ingredients are mixed together and portions are placed on a piece of a banana leaf, which is then folded.  They are then steamed in a saucepan over stems of the banana leaves. There is nothing so sweet as a conkie.  As we say in Barbados, “For real!” Just thinking about it makes my taste buds water.  Banana tree here I come!! ©Kerina Hall

The flower you see above is the National Flower of Barbados.  It is called “The Pride of Barbados.” According to Graham Gooding in Wayside Trees and Shrubs of Barbados it was introduced to the island as early as 1657. Our pride has been around for a long time! Pride often has a negative connotation, meaning puffed-up or arrogant. The Bible informs us that pride goes before a fall.  That’s the unhealthy kind of pride – the kind we don’t need in this island of ours. But pride can be positive as well.  It can mean having pleasure in something good and wholesome.  Like pride in one’s country; and this is demonstrated in one’s loyalty to it, and a commitment to be a good citizen. Yes indeed!  Pride can be beautiful! ©Kerina Hall

First Prime Minister Errol Walton  Barrow Sir Grantley Adams          "God’s will was done by  mortal man             b ut he had lit the fire.”                                 The Flame by Kerina Hall Two men who made significant contributions to the development of Barbados are undoubtedly Sir Grantley Adams and Errol Walton Barrow.  The former was the first Premier of Barbados; and the latter, the first Prime Minister and regarded as the “Father of Independence.” Of course they are not the only heroes recognized by our nation.  Eight others are also celebrated on Heroes Day here in Barbados. In the case for Independence from Britain, it was the contention of Mr. Barrow that this nation should no longer “…be found loitering on Colonial Offices' premises after closing time” ( The Life ...

National Pledge of Barbados I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag, To uphold and defend their honour, And by my living to do credit to my nation wherever I go.                                                                                                                                                            ( Author of Pledge, Lester Vaughn) Last post I shared the words of the National Anthem.  Above are the words of our Pledge. These words highlight the fact that we are not merely individuals – doing our own thing, but really are part of a collective....

National Anthem of Barbados In plenty and in time of need When this fair land was young Our brave forefathers sowed the seed From which our pride is sprung A pride that makes no wanton boast Of what it has withstood That binds our hearts from coast to coast The pride of nationhood Chorus We loyal sons and daughters all Do hereby make it known These fields and hills beyond recall Are now our very own We write our names on history's page With expectations great Strict guardians of our heritage Firm craftsmen of our fate The Lord has been the people's guide For past three hundred years With him still on the people's side We have no doubts or fears Upward and onward we shall go Inspired, exulting, free And greater will our nation grow In strength and unity Just had to share these words from our National Anthem with you.  It really is a beautiful piece of poetry, and was written by Irving Burgie . What can I say...

Hey!  It’s beginning to look a lot like…Independence.  Thought I was going to say Christmas, didn’t you? Independence Day in Barbados is November 30 and the stores are gearing up with a wide selection of Independence paraphernalia.  Lots of blue, yellow and black (colours of the flag) items are on display.  Also, Independence bunting is adorning some buildings in the city . The photo above was taken a few years ago on Independence Day after the annual parade.  My husband and I never miss a parade and we just  couldn't  miss the opportunity to take a photo with the Broken Trident (a symbol of Barbados' independence) in Trafalgar Square, Bridgetown. In advance, Happy Independence Barbados! ©Kerina Hall