Bajans trek through the East for worthy cause

A few drizzles on Sunday were not enough to dishearten the loads of people who flocked to St. Philip to join Cultural Ambassador Dr. The Most Honourable Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire’s mission to walk the length and breadth of Barbados in an effort to benefit the less fortunate on the island.

From about dawn, crowds comprising persons of all ages began to assemble at Ragged Point to Walk the Talk and
“walk with us for them” as this year’s slogan encourages.

Don-ning tee-shirts bearing the event’s title in bold font, participants trekked down to Six Roads, then on to Four Roads proceeding through Mangrove and Oldbury, before culminating at the Concorde Experience at Spencer’s, Christ Church (next to the Grantley Adams International Airport).

The event, now in its second iteration, was kicked off with a calypso warm-up ses-sion to adequately prepare participants for the more than 10 miles ahead. This was followed by opening remarks from Chairman of the Red Foundation, Alvin Jemmott, as well as St. Philip North Member of Parliament Dr. Sonia Browne, who also served to declare the event open.

Many well-known faces were among volunteers handing out water as well as among the large number of participants chatting, laughing, some running, others walking but all having a good time. Patron of the Red Foundation, Wiltshire, was pleased about the turnout and told Barbados TODAY that people really enjoyed the walk, especially knowing that they were supporting
a worthy cause.

“It was a nice lovely walk and we had a beautiful turnout. We thank the people of Barba-os. We thank all the people who have supported us, the sponsors, and all the people in the diaspora for their contribution and we look forward to continuing this journey going across the length of Barbados to support those in need,” the ten-time calypso monarch said.

The next leg is on September 11 and will begin at the Concorde Experience and end at the car park of the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in The Pine, St. Michael.

People have been reminded that they can also contribute through the donation of non-perishable goods, which can be dropped off at the start and end of each route. Additionally, donations can be made to the Republic Bank account #: 098327482001; routing number for wire transfers: 00009006 or https://gofund.me/11350567.

“We have a responsibility to be our brother’s keeper and I am happy that Barbadians are showing that they really care,” Wiltshire added.

Walk the Talk continues on September 18 when it will start at the CBC car park and move to Lancaster, St. James, while the final leg will pick up the following Sunday on September 25 from Lancaster and journey further north to St. Lucy, culminating at the Daryll Jordan Secondary School. (KC)