Mass picnic, concerts to kick off We Gatherin’

A New Year’s Day mass picnic and concert at River Bay, St Lucy are to kick off the Government’s We Gatherin’ 2020 as the northernmost parish becomes the first to launch the initiative.

St Lucy MP Peter Phillips told journalists at the iconic traditional site for family picnics and excursions that during 2020 the northern parish would focus on Families, Achievements, Institutions, Talent and Heritage (FAITH), starting with families getting together for fellowship, food and fun.

Gather by the Bay which starts from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., includes a concert which will feature top local artistes including gospel icon Sister Magrita Marshall who will headline the Down By The Riverside gospel concert, and sundown concert that includes Ishiaka McNeil, Lady Essence, Allison Hinds, Leadpipe and Saddis, Peter Ram, Rupee and Adrian Clarke.

The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation’s Q in the Community district fair is to be organised as Q-By the Bay, featuring DJ Radar.

Parking is to be provided at the St Lucy District Hospital and St Lucy Parish Church, Phillips said. Patrons may take the public bus offered by the Transport Board or park at the District Hospital or the Parish Church and take a free private shuttle to River Bay.

Phillips told journalists: “As we move through the month, FAITH will be the centre of our parish activities which will be spearheaded by an ecumenical service on January 5, we will honour the achievement of the people of St Lucy with an awards ceremony on the 20th.

“St Lucy is leading the way in a year that is truly momentous, January 21st will be the centennial of the birth of Rt Excellent Errol Walton Barrow who is from St Lucy, and we will honour him with the unveiling of a plaque on the 21st of January at ‘The Garden’ and then with a super concert in Checker Hall that  same day.

“We will feature and support our local community institutions, showcase our parish talent and tour several heritage sights.

“St Lucy will come alive during January 2020 and we invite all  Barbadians and our visitors to join us as we celebrate our parish and transform our nation.”

We Gatherin’ Co-ordinator Selma Green indicated that the project implementation unit for We Gatherin’ was overseeing the management and coordination of the events and projects during the yearlong celebration.

She said the goal of We Gatherin’ is to deepen the connection between Barbados and its diaspora, diversify the economy by creating new sectors and businesses, empower Barbadian communities through enterprise, foster greater community spirit and philanthropy, highlight Barbados as a world-class authentic global brand, and influence a new understanding and appreciation of Barbadian people.

Green told reporters: “The benefits we intend to realise are improved investment in projects, infrastructure and services, greater number of visitors coming to Barbados and increased visitor spend.

“The development of new sectors and econonmies and increased economic opportunities; heightened social cohesion; easy and efficient mechanism for receiving charitable donations, strong diaspora partnerships and networks for sharing information, trade and investment; growth and diversification of local businesses; and a rekindling of a culture of philanthropy.”

Green also encouraged entrepreneurs to grasp opportunities that We Gatherin’ will present by creating greater economic space for them to operate in and to connect with new markets through the diaspora.

She declared that many Barbadians and visitors are expected to come home from all over the globe not just to have a good time, but to explore innovative ideas, projects and to partner with local businesses.

She said: “Tap into the additional demand, create new products and services, generate more jobs, improve your business processes, increase your income generating capacity and export and earn valuable foreign exchange.”

The officials also promoted the initiative’s website – www.wegatherinbarbados.com – and other social media platforms as sources of information on the project.
anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb