We Gatherin’ in UK: Diaspora events hailed a success, but ‘gaps in knowledge remain’

READING, England — The We Gatherin’ initiative has sparked renewed interest in Barbados among the UK diaspora, with recent events fostering community connections and enthusiasm for the island, according to Mackie Holder, Barbados’ Deputy High Commissioner in London.

But he has highlighted the need for greater collaboration between agencies to address gaps in knowledge about Barbadian history and recent developments.

Speaking after the second We Gatherin’ UK event, held in Reading, about 40 miles outside London—home to one of the largest Barbadian populations in the UK—Holder described the response as “fantastic,” with attendees expressing interest in further engagement and follow-up programmes. The event, titled For the Love of Barbados, attracted notable figures such as Reading’s Mayor Glen Dennis, Councillor Wendy Griffith, a Barbadian, and other local officials.

Organised by the Barbados High Commission in partnership with the Barbados and Friends Association (BAFA) Reading, the event featured a mix of cultural and community activities. These included a Passport Clinic, health checks, vendors showcasing Barbadian products such as Ju-C drinks and Shirley biscuits, and traditional Bajan food provided by Dolphin’s. Attendees also enjoyed presentations by Holder and Stacey Hutchinson of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), screenings of Barbadian films, and a quiz on Barbadian history.

There were interviews with vendors and attendees, presentations by Holder and Stacey Hutchinson, Senior Business Development Officer, BTMI; video presentations on Barbados and St. Peter, highlighting its history, and a quiz.

Two films by Barbadians, Camouflage and The Esthetics of Love, the former shot in Barbados by Jonathan Temple and the latter by Rodney Victor Wilkinson, were also screened.

There were prizes for the quiz winners and impromptu gifts to Marlene Walrond, who was marking her 60th birthday, the oldest person in attendance, Peter Small who will be 80 in a few weeks, and the three youngest members of the audience, Shawn and Aurora Dunbreaker, and three-year-old Cairo Collymore who came up from the southern coastal city of Bournemouth with his parents.

The event was described as informative and fun, with a diverse mix of seniors and younger Barbadians attending. But, it also revealed that many participants lacked knowledge about Barbados’ history or had not visited the island in years despite having family connections. Some attendees had never been to Barbados at all.

Holder stressed that these events are vital for reconnecting people to their heritage, sharing information about the island, and encouraging visits. He expressed satisfaction with the participation of younger attendees but urged agencies such as BTMI, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Export Barbados, and the Barbados Museum to work together to sustain interest in We Gatherin’ for long-term impact.

The Reading event followed last year’s launch of We Gatherin’ promotions at the Barbados Independence Gala in London and a successful community session earlier this year at the High Commission. Its success has prompted requests for similar gatherings in other UK cities like Swindon and Brent.

The next We Gatherin’ even moves north to Birmingham, home to one of the largest concentrations of Barbadians in the UK,on  Saturday, 8 March, under the theme Barbados and Birmingham: Building Bridges.

(BT/PR)