We Gatherin’ kicks off in St Michael

We Gatherin’ celebrations have moved to the parish of St Michael and began on Sunday morning with a celebratory multifaith service in Golden Square Freedom Park.

The parliamentary representatives for the parish joined scores of residents and well-wishers for the event, which opened with blessings from Father Clement Paul of the Roman Catholic Church and members of the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church.

The youth also had a strong presence. Delivering heartfelt messages were Kaden Ward of St Cyprian’s Boys’ School, Renneika Wallace of Harrison College, and Imani Leon from the Roman Catholic Diocesan Youth Commission.

Chairman of the St. Michael Parish Organising Committee, Kevin Carvalho, declared, “St Michael will be doing the most!” He described the parish’s We Gatherin’ celebration as “a homecoming for all Barbadians and for persons born and raised in the parish of St Michael — a call to return home to re-experience the parish through the theme ‘Food and Feting’ in true St. Michael fashion.”

Carvalho promised, “St Michael will come alive,” noting events such as night fishing, street festivals, a Sunrise to Sunset Fete and Family Day, and a community garden competition. He added that activities would blend fun and learning so attendees “walk away with a greater understanding of the history, heritage and culture of our parish.”

Prime Minister Mia Mottley

Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced two special additions to the month’s calendar, both designed with the youth in mind. The first will be a dedicated youth forum led by Minister Kirk Humphrey and Minister Charles Griffith to encourage ‘reasoning’ with Generation Z and give them the opportunity to have their voice heard.

The second event, a cultural extravaganza, will take place on November 29 at the National Botanical Gardens.

“It will bring the children of St Michael together in a marquee event,” Mottley said, adding that each constituency would have the chance to “show off the best of their traditions and the possibilities for the future.”

Emphasising the importance of community and covenant, the Prime Minister reflected on the parish’s unique character. She noted, “St Michael really is the parish of migration, with people leaving the other parishes and settling there.”

“When we speak about migration in these times,” she continued, “let us not do so with fear. Let us recognise that that has been the story of our existence, in this country, on this land.”

While acknowledging the parish’s chosen theme, Mottley said that, “While you may want to choose feting and food as the We Gatherin’ theme, it is anchored by November’s introspection and reflection to build the strongest and best Barbados that we can build.”

Pinelands Creative Workshop

During the service, there were a number of performances, including a mixed medium piece called Spiritual Fusion by the Pinelands Creative Workshop, a liturgical dance by the Covenant Life Teaching Centre and saxophonist Mylon Clarke.

Apostle Marlon Husbands of the Sanctuary Empowerment Centre delivered the spiritual message. (STT)