Barbados has officially begun its countdown to 60 years of independence from the United Kingdom  and five years as a republic, with Prime Minister Mia Mottley calling on Barbadians at home and abroad to embrace the celebrations.

Mottley, in an address to the nation on September 1, said the combined milestone, dubbed “60 and 5”, should be a time to celebrate Barbados’ progress, reflect on what the country has overcome and look ahead to its future.

She announced that every Friday from now until November 30 will be designated “Barbados Day”,  where Barbadians are encouraged to wear the national colours of blue, gold and black, display the national flag and share photographs with family, friends and colleagues on social media.

Mottley also extended the invitation to Barbadians living overseas.

“Let us see them from every parish and from across the diaspora. Wherever you call home, this celebration belongs to you too,” she said.

The government is expected to unveil the official “60 and 5” logo in the coming days. 

Mottley said details will also be provided on how businesses, organisations and community groups can apply to use the logo, including licensing arrangements and how recognised charities will benefit.

The celebrations will include a national cleanup and beautification campaign.

Mottley compared the campaign to preparing a home for a major birthday or anniversary, urging Barbadians to play their part in ensuring the country is spruced up ahead of the milestone.

A national oration competition, “My Voice, My Barbados”, will also be held for primary, secondary and tertiary students, giving young Barbadians an opportunity to share their vision for the country’s future.

Other events planned include a lecture series, national concert, President’s Gala Evening, the opening of the Richard Stout Amphitheatre and the long-awaited opening of the Newton’s Slave Memorial.

The programme will also feature established national celebrations including National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA), the lighting ceremony, the Food and Rum Festival, the national parade and ecumenical service.

The Prime Minister’s Cup will again form part of the celebrations, with this year’s competition including both men’s and women’s events.

Mottley said the events announced represent only part of the programme, with the National Organising Committee expected to release the full calendar.

Communities and groups will also be able to submit their own events for consideration for inclusion on the national calendar, she said.

Reflecting on the significance of the milestone, Mottley acknowledged the challenges Barbados has faced in recent years, including “uncertainty, loss and pressure”.

“Still, we have kept faith with one another in this most difficult of last decades. We have kept moving. We have remained Barbadians and Bajan to the core,” she said.

She urged Barbadians to use the next three months to reflect, give thanks and celebrate the country while showing Barbados at its best to one another and to visitors.