Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department plans to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of the independence of Barbados; and if he will make a statement.

The Government of Barbados is continuing to develop its plans to celebrate the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence. The Government has been working closely with the Government of Barbados to ensure that our close and long-standing relationship is reflected fully in those celebrations both in Barbados and in the UK.

Barbados achieved independence from Britain on November 30th 1966. The anniversary is celebrated as Independence Day and is a national holiday in Barbados. Independence celebrations run throughout the month of November and include sports competitions, fairs, community events and religious services. For the 50th anniversary, Barbados has also announced a year of celebration with a number of events taking place over the next 12 months, beginning on 6 January 2016 with a parade through Bridgetown. Details of the full programme of events are still being finalised, and the Foreign Office remains in close contact with the High Commission in London and the Government in Bridgetown as plans progress.