Sir Cliff Richard awarded for support to Barbados

Sir Cliff Richard OBE has been presented with a Golden Jubilee Award by the Barbados government in recognition of his support and loyalty to the island.

The award was part of the island’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.

Sir Cliff first visited the island on a two-week holiday in the 1970s.

“On that first visit to Barbados my friends and I used to drive down from Polo Ridge to the old Sandy Lane Hotel and often stopped, on the way, to watch the kids playing cricket at the side of the road, all trying to be the next Gary Sobers,” he said.

” I enjoyed my visit and came back a couple of years later.”

Sir Cliff became a resident in 2010 and now lives on an estate called Sugar Hill, developed by his friend David Lloyd.

“My home has a wide view of sea and I face west and enjoy a rum punch while watching the sun set,” said Sir Cliff.

“Life doesn’t have to pull you here and there. Just think Barbados and it will slow things down for you.”

Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Hon. Richard Sealy said” “As we celebrate our 50 years, we acknowledge Sir Cliff for his tireless contribution and everything he has done for our island.

“We also want to encourage him to keep up the good work and on behalf of the Government of Barbados, we want to genuinely say thank you.”

Sir Cliff Richard joins 49 other Golden Jubilee Award winners from the UK, including singer Heather Small from M People and renowned broadcaster Dr Moira Stuart.