Dozens of families flocked to King George V Memorial Park in St Philip Saturday afternoon for the City of Bridgetown (COB) Co-operative Credit Union’s Fun-0-Rama & Concert Experience.
Under their parents’ vigilant gaze, children of all ages revelled in the fun-filled attractions such as jumping tents and a miniature merry-go-round. Their sweet cravings were satisfied with treats including sno cones and cotton candy.
In celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary, these young attendees even had the opportunity to sign up for their COB C.A.R.E.S junior savers’ accounts.
Dr. Lynette Holder, President of the Board of Directors, conveyed her gratitude in her opening address. She stated, “We want to say thank you in this year 2023 as we commemorate this milestone in our development as a financial co-operative. We could not have done it without you. Forty years ago, a group of men and women came together and started this credit union and I have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you who were there back in the early years. We are saying thank you.”
She highlighted, “These men and women understood the importance of providing financial services to ordinary Barbadians and so COB was started.” Holder reiterated, “This is our institution, the credit union is owned by our members, managed by our members, governed by our members, this is your organisation.”
This sentiment of appreciation for their valued members was reinforced with the staging of the entertaining concert featuring the island’s top performers. Blood commenced the show by singing the organization’s well-known jingle, returning later in the night to perform several of his hit songs including his Crop Over 2023 release Feeling. Grateful Co dedicated his set, which included songs like Location and Trouble, to his recently departed aunt, crediting her for his entry into the music industry.
The Calypso monarchy was out in full force, with Adrian Clarke adding a picong verse from his second place-winning song, Anansi and the Big Bad Ram. He was followed by the reigning calypso monarch, Ian Webster, who added his title-winning song Brain to his energetic performance. Loyal supporters savored every moment of RPB’s session as he opened with, I Am Alive and pleased them with other favorites like Boat Ride and Spontaneous.
The entertainment package, which was all backed by The Unit Band, included Tarique Griffith and Kyrique Alleyne, winners of the Baje to the Word competition in 2022 and 2023. Also, in the lineup, pleasing the crowd with a mix from their repertoire were TC and Nikita.
The celebratory activities will continue next weekend with a sports day at the old BET sports ground. Open days are scheduled for all their branches with numerous opportunities to win prizes.
(STT)
