NAMING OF BEACH TO HONOUR PRINCESS DIANA REUNITES BARBUDANS Tuesday 5th July 2011
(Codrington Barbuda, July 4, 2011) The island of Barbuda is now home to an international landmark, Diana, Princess of Wales, Beach. A naming ceremony, originally scheduled to recognize the Princess’ 50th Birthday on July 1, was postponed due to inclement weather. The ceremony was held on Monday July 4, amid clear skies, with Her Excellency Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack officiating.
Arguably one of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches, the shores alongside the former K Club Hotel, known locally as Access Beach, will memorialize Princess Diana’s legacy as a global humanitarian and her special connection to Barbuda. The beach which has remained virtually unchanged since the Princess’ last visit in April 1997, will become an emblem of Barbuda’s high level of hospitality that enticed Princess Diana, Rod Stuart and many other notable personalities to keep coming back to the island.
The naming ceremony sparked a reunion among current and former government officials, former employees of the K Club and Barbuda to remember the island’s most celebrated guests. There were reflections on Princess Diana’s visits to the K Club, by persons who had the opportunity to meet her.
Former Barbuda MP, Sir Eric Burton, who provided transportation for the K Club described how on a visit to the hotel, he said to a manager “I hear Princess Diana is here. Where is she? To my surprise, the Princess had been standing behind me all along. I could not believe it. She was so down to earth, relaxed, even barefooted. I welcomed her to Barbuda and she thanked me and said that she was in love with the island and would keep coming back time and time again.”
Three former K Club employees shared similar stories to corroborate the Princess’ unassuming, down to earth, respectful and kind-hearted nature. Bartender, Rodman George, Food and Beverage Manager, Rupert Francis, and waitress Claudia Desuza, recounted many humbling and humorous experiences as they shared photos of personal encounters with Diana, Princess of Wales and her sons William and Harry.
Parliamentary representative for Barbuda, Hon. Trevor Walker a former assistant GM at the K Club, first met the Princess in 1995. Walker quoted the Princess as saying that she loved the island and would not want to see it become commercialized. He also noted “Princess Diana Beach will become a tourist attraction to honour her legacy, and give Barbuda global recognition and a place in history.”
Councilwoman Beazer Williams applauded the Barbuda Council and the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda for their approval of the beach naming to honor the People’s Princess. “Princess Diana Beach will generate interest in the charm, seclusion and untamed beauty that Barbuda has to offer and help stimulate more business for the destination.”
Several government officials, residents and well wishers from around the world who were unable to attend today’s naming ceremony sent messages of admiration for the Princess. Chief among these was a message from Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer that applauded Princess Diana’s global advocacy for many public health and social issues, outside the purview of traditional royal involvement. The message was read by Executive Assistant, Mrs. Valerie Harris-Pole.
During the next year, several initiatives will be rolled out to help brand Princess Diana Beach as one of Barbuda’s natural wonders. These include the erection of a monument to recognize Princess Diana’s legacy of global advocacy, a journal and an island tour to showcase some of Princess Diana’s experiences and treasured memories in Barbuda via photos, stories and other mementos.
A commemorative stamp will be released during Antigua and Barbuda’s 30th Independence celebrations in November.
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