The festive spirit of Independence Day in Bridgetown, Barbados, is being overshadowed by a surge of vacant shopfronts along Broad Street, with local merchants attributing the lack of patriotic displays to economic challenges rather than apathy. Eddy Abed, head of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce’s Revitalisation of Bridgetown Committee, emphasized that empty stores, not a lack of patriotism, are to blame for the subdued celebrations. ‘Vacant stores cannot show Independence or Christmas decorations because they are unoccupied,’ Abed explained. He urged a realistic assessment of Bridgetown’s evolving retail landscape, pointing to declining fortunes as the primary cause. Despite this, many businesses continue to showcase national pride by adorning their stores with blue, gold, and black decorations, blending Independence and Christmas celebrations. Abed highlighted the coexistence of these two events, stressing that neither should overshadow the other. Reflecting on the past, he noted that over half of Broad Street’s retail spaces now lie vacant, a stark contrast to its former vibrancy. The shift towards minimalist holiday decorations, both in Barbados and globally, reflects changing trends rather than a lack of participation. Abed’s comments came in response to Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, who recently encouraged businesses to engage in Independence festivities. Abrahams acknowledged the challenges businesses face but emphasized the importance of celebrating national identity. Abed concluded by urging the public to view the two celebrations as complementary, not competing, events.