By Rawle Toney
At a church service commemorating Barbados’ first Prime Minister, Errol Barrow, leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Dr Ronnie Yearwood, urged the nation to purge itself of those who do not adhere to the principles laid out by the party’s founding leader.
The DLP was formed in 1955 by Borrow, along with the likes of Frederick Smith and James Tudor, and served six terms, between 1961 and 2018, as the ruling party of Barbados.
Despite its political success, Barrow, rightfully addressed as the Rt Excellent, is honoured annually on January 21, the day of his birth, a special day dedicated to recognising his pivotal role in leading Barbados to independence on November 30, 1966.
Speaking to the First Baptist Church congregation, Dr Yearwood reflected on Barrow’s life, portraying him as a humble man dedicated to serving the people — an example he hopes others will follow.
“As we build the DLP, First Baptist Church, and our country, let us do so in the spirit of Errol Barrow,” Dr. Yearwood said.
“I want us today, on Error Borrow Day, to reflect on what service is. What does it mean to serve your country? What does it mean to serve your church? What does it mean to serve your community? What does it mean to serve your family? What does it mean to serve your God? And how do we do all of these things, given the pressures of life?”
According to the DLP leader, irrespective of individual commitments to self, family, and other aspects of life, “we are all called to serve because our country demands it. We must establish a personal connection with who we are and those around us.”
Dr Yearwood stressed the importance of connecting with Barrow’s concept of service, highlighting, “He served this country, gave his life, his family, and everything for Barbados. As we honour him on Errol Barrow Day and throughout the year, we honour him by serving, cleansing our temples, and eliminating anything within us that hinders us from serving, as instructed by the Bible.”
Calling on DLP members, Dr Yearwood urged them “to reflect on what service means and recommit yourself to serve. Because to understand, to serve, you are doing it for your community, you’re doing it for your country and you’re doing it for yourself. So today, as we celebrate our father of independence, we celebrate one of the founders of the DLP. We celebrate one of the founders of the modern Caribbean. We celebrate one of the great men of this world.”
Meanwhile, Reverend Paul Leacock, following Dr Yearwood’s presentation, called all the DLP members to the altar, where he offered prayers and blessings.
He asked the members to serve righteously, stating that they’re called to leadership not only by the people but by God.
Errol Barrow passed away on June 1, 1987, at the age of 67, and on January 21, 1989, his birth anniversary was declared the first public holiday.
(RT)
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