The National Pledge of Barbados is one of the country’s most cherished civic expressions. Recited in schools, at national events, and during community ceremonies, it reinforces the values of loyalty, integrity, and national pride. This educational overview explores the pledge itself, the life of its author, and the historical process that led to its official adoption.

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The National Pledge of Barbados

“I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag,
To uphold and defend their honour,
And by my living to do credit
to my nation wherever I go.”

This pledge serves as a concise but powerful affirmation of duty to the nation. It encourages citizens—especially the young—to commit themselves to honourable conduct, responsible citizenship, and representation of Barbados with dignity wherever they may be.

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About the Author: Mr. Lester Vaughan

The National Pledge was written by Mr. Lester Vaughan, an accomplished educator whose career spanned several decades and touched multiple generations of Barbadian and Caribbean students.

Early Life and Education

• Born in 1910 at St. Simon’s, St. Andrew
• Began his professional journey as a Pupil Teacher, a role common in early 20th-century Barbados for promising young educators
• Trained at the Rawle Training Institute (1933–1935), the institution that later evolved into Erdiston College

Teaching Career in Barbados and Abroad

Between 1928 and 1944, Vaughan taught at several primary schools in St. Andrew. His dedication to teaching later took him abroad:

• 1944: emigrated to St. Lucia to continue his work in education
• Undertook further training at the Tuskegee Institute of Alabama, USA, specializing in primary education
• Returned to St. Lucia and served until 1954, after which he returned to Barbados

Later Roles and Contributions

Upon returning home, Vaughan:

• Taught at St. John the Baptist Boys’ School
• Served as Headmaster of Holy Innocents
• Acted as an Education Officer for six years
• Officially retired in 1970, but was later recalled in 1973 to support the 14+ educational initiative, designed to assist students who left school at age 14

Legacy and Passing

Mr. Vaughan passed away on September 16, 2003, at the age of 92, leaving behind a profound heritage within national education and civic culture.

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How the National Pledge Was Chosen

The process of selecting a national pledge was both competitive and community-oriented.

• On April 2, 1973, the Hon. Erskine Sandiford, then Minister of Education, Youth Affairs, Community Development and Sport, announced the decision.
• A national competition attracted 167 entries, reflecting widespread public interest.
• A distinguished panel of judges—including Mrs. Enid Lynch, Miss Doreen Mayers, Mr. Charlie Best, Mr. John Wickham, Mr. A. N. Forde, and Chairman Mr. H. A. Vaughan—selected Vaughan’s submission as the winning composition.
• He was awarded a prize of $100 for his work, a symbolic gesture recognising the significance of his contribution.

The pledge was subsequently incorporated into national life, particularly in schools, where it remains a central part of the civic education process.

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Cultural and Civic Importance

The National Pledge serves multiple purposes:

1. Civic Responsibility

It reinforces the values expected of Barbadian citizens—respect, honour, and integrity in both public and private life.

2. National Unity

The pledge provides a shared expression of patriotism for people of all backgrounds, reflecting Barbados’s inclusive national identity.

3. Youth Development

In schools, daily recitation introduces children to the concepts of national duty, positive conduct, and pride in their heritage.

4. Representation Abroad

The closing line—“wherever I go”—underscores the expectation that Barbadians maintain the nation’s honour beyond its shores, acting as ambassadors of their homeland.

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The National Pledge of Barbados is more than a ceremonial statement. It is a distillation of the highest ideals of Barbadian citizenship, authored by a man whose life was devoted to education and national service. Through its daily use and enduring relevance, the pledge continues to shape character, strengthen identity, and inspire commitment to the nation.