Associations Out and Celebrating

Associations pretty much took over the month of October, so much so that there was sometimes an overlay of events. Too bad for the CG.

Two years of pause gave way to a welcome return to in person events, for the majority. Just as refreshing has been the efforts by organisations to improve their events in all ways.

Further, the celebrating of milestones of longevity by a number of them brought new respect for the hard work and sacrifice of the many to build these institutions and, in the face of challenges, especially ageing, gave hope that there is still plenty of life in Barbadian associations yet.

Cambridge marked 55 years with a series of events including a well-supported bus ride and a gala featuring Red Plastic Bag. The Nurses Association also celebrated 55, with a stellar afternoon event, a departure from the norm, at Glen Terrace. The Association for Aid to the Physically Challenged of Barbados marked their 50th anniversary with a service and St. George Old Scholars marked their half century at a different space than the popular Palace, K& L Manor. Springer Memorial Alumnae celebrated 25 years.

While most concentrated efforts this year on hosting fund-raising galas, others brought back their regular programmes – Ex-Police and Cambridge - while a few, including Caribbean American Medical & Scientific Association, (CAMSA), Darryl Jordan and Harrison College Queens College Association, (HCQC), continued activities online. These included popcorn fundraisers and various seminars.

Notably, Friends of Barbados DLP brought back Barbados Day and United Barbadians in Massachusetts, (UBIM), and Friends of Barbados in Connecticut, (FOBCT), remerged with galas, UBIM having one of their best in years with the addition of live music performances from Archie Miller and violinist Wesley Morris.

Live performances is now a thing, with Archie Miller, Mike Remie and Phil Brathwaite almost at every event. Supporters have also appreciated the efforts with décor, photography and other touches. Nurses knocked it out of the park and FOBCT added two interesting cultural presentations to their galas.

Continuing its growing reputation for being different, the Barbados Support Group, (BSG), hosted a CPR session. Cambridge, Nurses and Foundation Old Scholars held walks, the latter in honour this year of Hattan Callender, husband of President Beverley Callender, who died earlier in the year.

CAMSA by itself and in partnership presented very stimulating online events. It was a pity a bigger audience was not garnered for the outstanding, somewhat long, November presentation on women’s health.

Mention must be made of Bajan Diaspora Online. While not an organization in the traditional way, this group of friends from New Jersey, coordinated by Mary Yearwood, is more than worthy of inclusion in this article. It ranks as probably the most supportive of associations and all Barbadian activities. Further, the grouping hosted the Tribute to Jiggs Kirton in his memory, donated substantially to a fundraiser for the Maloney family that lost everything in a house fire and, among others, remains committed to the sustainability of the Richard Stoute Talent Show.

It is expected that all associations will be in action and running on all cylinders next year, with full programming for Barbadian communities with benefits to Barbados. Next year is looking like a great year packed with activities.

Consulate remains committed to working with organisations and will be executing already discussed plans to help these important organs keep pace with changes and continue to improve their structures and operations.