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Bridgetown, Barbados (CMC):
The recent decision by Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s government to rename Independence Day was reversed after fierce opposition from several citizens.
Earlier this week, Motley announced that November 30 would no longer be called Independence Day, but would instead be known as Barbados’ National Day to celebrate the country’s anniversary as a republic.
Motley said she “saw and heard the comments on social media this afternoon” but defended the name change in a statement Tuesday night.
However, that changed late Wednesday, when Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs Minister Wilfred Abrahams said the response from Barbadians from all walks of life was swift and outspoken, with an overwhelming majority Disapprove of change or disapprove of change. timing.
Abrahams, who also chairs the cabinet’s subcommittee on national affairs, issued a statement in November saying it was “clearly not the time”.
“I would recommend status quo Saved, we will celebrate November 30, 2022 as Independence Day,” he said.
The decision follows a statement from Democratic Labour Party (DLP) chairman Dr Ronnie Yearwood, who called it a “stupid, downright callous and stupid move”.
Yearwood, a lecturer in law at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill campus, told reporters on Wednesday evening that the decision had to be passed as an Act of Parliament.
“It’s something that has to be brought before Parliament. If you look at Barbados’ public holiday laws, Independence Day is recorded as one of the holidays listed, and it says November 30; that’s Independence Day,” he said.
“So there’s a legal aspect to this…it looks like the government being able to simply rename Independence Day through a Cabinet decision is not only wrong, it’s also illegal because as far as I know I don’t think any act has been passed by Parliament. “
The DLP has begun implementing multiple strategies to deal with the change, and Yearwood has since created a petition to reverse what he called a “hasty and unpopular decision.”
He said the party was also planning a peaceful protest race in New York City over the weekend from Queens Park to Independence Square in New York City and invited all Barbadians to participate.
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