The Honourable Leslie Haynes, K.C Chief Justice of Barbados
The Honourable Mia A Mottley,M.P, S.C
The Prime Minister of Barbados and the Parade’s Reviewing Officer
Parade Inspection
Troop BDF Band
March Past in Slow and Quick Time
Innvocation
Captain The Reverend Hugh Sandiford
Welcome Major Julia DaBreo
Commanding Officer Barbados Regiment
Performance BDF Band
Featured Address The Prime Minister of Barbados
Vote of Thanks Captain Jamel Sobers Officer Commanding Support Company, Barbados Regiment
Sunset Ceremony
Official Departures
Programme of Music
BDF 45th Anniversary Parade and Sunset Ceremony
Song Title
March On Drill Hall
Officers Fall In Bromley
BCC Banner March On
BR Colours and BCG
Ensign
March On
Arrivals
COS
Prime Minister
Inspection
BCC 120th Anniversary March
Service Beyond Duty
Composer/Arranger
Composed by C A Williams
Traditional
Composed by Farakhan Stephens & Pernell Farley
Composed by Captain Brian Cole
COS General Salute
General Salute
5th Movement - Bajan Folk Suite
“Mr John Bayne”
Troop
Slow Time
Composed by Captain Brian Cole
Traditional
Arranged by Roger Gittens
Barbados My Island of Dreams Arranged by Major Alfred Taylor
Quick Time Sons of the Brave Composed by Thomas Bidgood
March Past
On the first on November 1977, Her Majesty the Queen declared that “a succession of events has emphasized the need for constant serious attention to be given to the defence of the country.” In 1979, the Barbados Defence Act created a body of forces to be known as the Barbados Defence Force, consisting of a Regular Force, Reservists and a Cadet Corps.
The Barbados Defence Force is responsible for the defence of Barbados and such other duties as the Defence Board determines. These include: assistance to the civil power, maritime security and industry maintenance, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, youth development and ceremonial assistance.
Although there is a large degree of specialisation within the Force, all ranks are trained in a common set of core disciplines which enables them to function in the many roles assigned to the Force.
The Barbados Defence Force plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
It is a respected institution within Barbados and contributes significantly to regional stability through its participation in cooperative security initiatives with other Caribbean nations.
The Barbados Defence Force
The Sunset Ceremony
The Military Sunset Ceremony is a formal event typically held by military units at the end of the day. In the Barbados Defence Force, the ceremony is usually held after Official Drill Events, Recruit Pass-Out Parades, or Anniversary Parades. It's a time-honored tradition that involves lowering the military and national flags in a respectful and dignified manner, often accompanied by music, such as the bugle call "Retreat" and the National Anthem.
Elements of the Sunset Ceremony
After the formation of the troops, the bugle call "Retreat" is played to signal the end of the official duty day and to honor the lowering of the flags. As "Retreat" plays, the national flag is slowly and ceremoniously lowered. On special occasion, the flag may be folded in a specific manner, such as the traditional triangular fold. During the lowering of the flag, military personnel salute as a sign of respect.
The Military Sunset Ceremony reflects the discipline, respect, and traditions of the military. It serves as a daily reminder of duty, honor, and country, and it instills a sense of unity and pride among the troops and spectators. It is also an important moment for reflection, especially for those who have served or are serving in the Barbados Defence Force.
