Three “community leaders” were honoured on Sunday by Senator Ryan Walters during his annual picnic.
The Walters – We Linking Up: Turn Down De Pot and Come event, held at Farley Hill National Park, attracted hundreds of people, most of whom were from St Michael North
West – the constituency Walters contested for the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in the 2022 general election.
Seven buses and a number of private vehicles brought people to the scenic St Peter location on the sunny Sunday. Based on registration and on-the-day attendance, organisers reported that about 700 people, from toddlers to seniors, attended the event where they enjoyed lunch, snacks, karaoke, dominoes, giveaways as well as a kids’ zone throughout the day.
Senator Walters took time to meet, greet and chat with residents. He also hailed three people for outstanding contributions to the community.
Doriel Gill, chairperson of the St Michael North West District Emergency Organisation, was awarded for exemplary community service in a role that requires her to always be on call and to readily respond to the needs of constituents in the areas of disaster management and hurricane preparedness.
Young and old had a grand time.
Another honoree, Michael Fergusson from Deacons Farm, almost single-handedly works and advocates to keep the youth in the community engaged through sporting activities and tournaments throughout the year.
Andrea Chapman, who was awarded posthumously, was a beacon of inspiration and a motherly figure for the fisherfolk and families in Pile Bay and Black Rock. Accepting on her behalf was her niece Kela Chapman.Senator Walters explained why he felt rewarding the trio was important.
“To build a constituency, it requires community-minded persons that are devoting their time and their financial resources, that can bring individual communities together, whether it is through sport, industry or social work. It is time for them to be recognised for their hard work and to know the people of St Michael North West value their contributions,” he said.
Senator Walters made time to greet each person at the picnic.
The former DLP vice president told Barbados TODAY that although it was his intention to make the event, now in its second year, an annual one, the countless queries from constituents who attended last year solidified his decision.
“The response to the picnic, even before it was made public, was extremely heartening. Clearly, St Michael North West looks forward to this time to mix, mingle and relax as a community. Activities such as this were lacking; that is why I felt to do it in the first place. Now here we are in the second year, with way more people than last year. I am happy that everyone can come together and have a good time. I must thank all who played a role in making today happen”, the senator said.
Leader of the Opposition and DLP Political Leader Ralph Thorne (centre) with from left David Bowen, a DLP supporter, Maureen Walters and Rhonda Durant – Senator Walters’ mother and sister and James Paul.
Leader of the Opposition and DLP political leader Ralph Thorne, who appointed Walters to the Senate in February, addressed the crowd, endorsing the event and praising Walters for the initiative.
While the picnic’s base was the St Michael North West constituency, branch members and constituents from other areas were present as well. Fellow DLP comrades spotted making merry were former tourism minister Richard
Sealy, were former MPs James Paul and Kenny Best, the party’s third vice-president Felicia Dujon, former candidates Neil Marshall, Kemar Stuart, Rasheed Belgrave, Courie Cox, and other members such as Paul Gibson, and Melissa Savoury-Gittens, Shaquani Hunte. (IMC)
