Members of the Co-ordinating Team of the Royal visit (from right) Co-ordinating Minister Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Andrew Cox, Assistant Commissioner of Police Emmerson Moore and Inspector Barry Hunte of the Special Branch of the RBPF in deep conversation after yesterday’s media briefing at Government Headquarters.
THE STAGE is set to showcase Barbados’ warmth and hospitality to the Earl and Countess of Wessex Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, as soon as they step onto the island’s shores tomorrow morning.
The official visit, part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, will see members of Her Royal Highness’ family visit various countries in the Commonwealth, to commemorate the momentous occasion.
Co-ordinating Minister for the historic event Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo along with members of the co-ordinating team, met with the media yesterday to give an update on the plans to host their Highnesses tomorrow and Friday.
Speaking in the Cabinet Office of Government Headquarters, the Minister explained that the visit has been planned in such a way that the royal couple can embrace Barbadian culture, meet Barbadians in several activities, recognising that Prince Edward has visited the country on numerous occasions and has already seen much of what the country has to offer.
The Earl and Countess will be greeted at the Bridgetown Port tomorrow morning when they arrive, with a brief reception. They will proceed to a joint sitting of Parliament in the Senate. The whirlwind two-day visit continues with a tour of the museum in the west wing of Parliament, a visit to the University of the West Indies; a State Dinner hosted by the Acting Governor General Elliott Belgrave and his wife Mrs Belgrave, followed by a reception at Government House where a cross section of Barbadians will be presented to their Highnesses.
On Friday February 24, the Earl of Wessex will present to the next batch of gold awardees of the Duke of Edinburgh programme, while Princess Sophie will visit the Children’s Development Centre to view their programmes and meet with the children. They will proceed to a ceremony at the Kensington Oval where a plaque will be unveiled to officially commemorate the Royal visit.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart will host their Highnesses at a luncheon at Ilaro Court; after which the Royal party will tour the Jewish Synagogue and Museum. They will then proceed to Prince Cave Hall of the District A Police Station, where they will be entertained by the Royal Barbados Force Police Band.
The Minister remarked that children will be involved in many of these events, which she noted is extremely important.
“There is a generation that does not connect with the British Royalty in the way that some of us would… our parents and grandparents.Yes Barbados, is independent but the Queen is still our head of State,” she noted.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Emmerson Moore stated that there have been several simulations of the visit and security personnel are ready for the event. He noted that there will be no closure of roads, but traffic will be facilitated by uniformed officers.
(Source http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=22983)
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