Barbadian authorities have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory ahead of Sunday’s dual ceremonies celebrating national independence and presidential installation at Kensington Oval. The Barbados Police Service will implement extensive road closures and parking restrictions from 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with severe penalties for violations including $500 fines or potential three-month imprisonment sentences for non-compliance.
Strategic road closures will affect critical transportation arteries including Fontabelle Road from Lakes Folly/Redman Drive to President Kennedy Drive/Holborn Circle, and President Kennedy Drive from Westbury Road to Holborn Circle. Public Service Vehicles maintain special access privileges along the President Kennedy Drive corridor despite the general vehicular ban.
Significant traffic congestion is anticipated along multiple parade routes spanning key urban thoroughfares: Fontabelle Road, Cheapside, Chapel Street, Prince Alfred Street, Broad Street, Trafalgar Street, Bridge Street, Charles Duncan O’Neal Bridge, Probyn Street, Bay Street, Lower Fairchild Street, Marhill Street, James Street, Magazine Lane, Coleridge Street, and Independence Square.
Enhanced parking regulations prohibit vehicle placement on Westbury Road, President Kennedy Drive, Cheapside Road, Redman Drive, Prescod Boulevard, the access road to Hanschell Inniss, Pickwick Gap, University Row, Mighty Grynner Highway, and Kensington New Road.
Designated parking facilities with shuttle services have been established for official participants: Kensington Oval for VVIPs, Parliament and Rickett Street for Parliamentarians, Cube Blue Barbados Port Inc for award recipients, Government Headquarters for honourees, Supreme Court and Helipad for participants including parents and children, State House for Presidential guests attending the Toast to the Nation ceremony, Government Procurement for diplomats, judiciary members and emergency services personnel, UWI Car Park for general invitees, and Kensington Mall for staff of designated persons.
Law enforcement personnel will maintain heightened visibility along the parade route to facilitate traffic flow and ensure public safety during the ceremonial proceedings.