Barbadians enjoy a day of recreation

Intermittent showers did not deter Barbadians from gathering in their numbers at popular picnic and beach spots across the island, as they observed the Whit Monday public holiday.

It has become a loved tradition for many residents to gather with friends and families at various locations across the island on public holidays to relax and have fun.

The recently developed National Botanical Gardens in Waterford Bottom, St Michael was a major hangout spot for many this time around, with several adults engaging in games of dominoes while children flew kites and some played a game of football.

Members of the public relaxing on the lawn of the National Botanical Garden on Whit Monday

Also at this location were the Barbados regiment and the COVID-19 vaccination mobile unit, giving residents the opportunity to catch up on their COVID-19 shot.

Lieutenant David Adamson told Barbados TODAY that the Whit Monday holiday was a special time for members of the Barbados regiment given that they were about to get very busy with the hurricane season, which officially began last Wednesday.

Lieutenant David Adamson.

“It is for the soldiers of the Barbados regiment to get some recreation and relaxation because as you know we are moving into a period in terms of the hurricane season. So you want to get that recreation time to spend time with the family early up in the season. As a result, we try to bring them together in a very nice setting so that they can get that time together with the family,” he explained.

He said it was also an opportunity for members of the regiment to interact with “the community”.

“If you look you will see a medical mobile unit that is dealing with vaccination for COVID-19. We have partnered with them to support that outreach and we still have spaces where members of the general public are having their picnic,” he pointed out.

Members of the Barbados Regiment and their Antigua counterpart enjoying a game of dominoes.

Although they got off to a later than expected start due to rain and other delays, residents and friends and families of members of the Barbados regiment were able to enjoy themselves throughout the day by engaging in several wholesome activities. The children were also treated to face painting.

Despite light morning showers, the popular Folkstone Marine Park and visitor’s Centre in St James was also bursting with activities, with scores of people eating, playing games and taking a dip in the ocean.

It was a similar sight along the Pebbles Beach and Carlisle Bay Beach in St Michael, although this location was less populated than expected.

(marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb)