BARP brings festive cheer to Bridgetown

The Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) brought festive cheer to the heart of Bridgetown on Friday night with their annual concert, Bringing It Home with BARP – Christmas Edition 2024. Held at the Golden Square Freedom Park, the event offered a sweet musical treat for the opening of the Christmas season.

Under the musical direction of Senior Superintendent Andrew Lynch, the Barbados Police Service Band delivered an outstanding performance. Renowned for their excellent musicianship, they were phenomenal with holiday favorites like Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Sleigh Ride and I Saw Three Ships. The band reimagined several classics with fresh and upbeat arrangements. They transformed We Three Kings and Come All Ye Faithful with a big band feel and skillfully incorporated some reggae elements to Give Love on Christmas Day.

Adding a Caribbean touch, they satisfied the audience with renditions of RPB’s Maizie, a spouge-infused version of Becket’s Sing Me Noel and an upbeat calypso-tinged interpretation of Happy Birthday Jesus. They even included some feel-good music from Crop Over 2024 with Generation Gap and Tomorrow.

The concert also spotlighted the individual talents of band members. Senior Superintendent Andrew Lynch demonstrated his versatility by stepping away from the conductor’s podium to join Constable Tanya Maughn on a duet of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Greatest Gift of All. Maughn charmed with her rendition of Santa Baby and also sang Do You Hear What I Hear. Constable Brianna Weekes had fun with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree while Cheri Bend performed Silver Bells. She joined Biggie Irie for a rendition of Drummer Boy, rivalling the original singer Natahlee with her chanting. She was so impressive Biggie Irie gave her the moniker of Cheri Banton. Biggie Irie excited the audience with his soca hits Pankatang and his title-winning song, Nah Going Home, getting them on their feet.

BARP members got their moment to shine, showcasing their line dancing skills, one of the many activities offered by the organisation. Their quartet delivered energetic routines to Lucky Lips and Iko Iko, and Samba. Proving that age is just a number, 84-year-old Ken Farrell paired with Michelle Brandford for an elegant Rumba and Jive performance, earning admiration from the crowd.

Jennifer Walker, serving as the evening’s MC, kept the audience entertained with her relatable humor and interactive trivia. Lucky participants walked away with attractive giveaways courtesy of the show’s sponsors.

On the staging of the concert CEO Steve Alleyne said, “This is how we show our appreciation for the support we receive during the year from our partners in the NGO community and corporate Barbados. Their support has helped us to a successful year.”

Detailing some of their initiatives he indicated that BARP encouraged its members to embrace technology at their headquarters.  He said, “This is where we created a digital space that our seniors can come and learn how to use the computers and be with the digital way of life.”

Before the night concluded, Senior Superintendent Lynch shared important crime prevention tips for the season. He urged patrons to stay vigilant, avoid traveling alone, and exercise caution when wearing jewelry. Addressing recent incidents, he remarked, “It’s unfortunate, but we have to stay alert because some cowards out there want to take what belongs to you.” (STT)