CG In, Out and About

Being with and among the Barbadian community is an important part of the mission of the Consulate. Community involvement ranges from attending association functions, church events, special occasions by Barbadians or friends of Barbados, saluting the advancement of individuals and in office meetings with visiting Barbadians or members of the community.

Every year throws up new things with changing circumstances, new approaches by associations and as more institutions and persons and the Consulate connect. Beyond dropping in on cricket, time at the Ex-Police, a session at one of the Barbadian hangouts or popping into a fete by one of the Barbados DJs, some of the other interactions were:

Lew “Jiggs” Kirton Tribute Con-

cert - along with great performances, this Bajan Diaspora and Friends event allowed meeting Jiggs’ family and new groups of Barbadians. Truth is, would have attended for just the music. Lew “Zorro” Drayton, Archie Miller, who debuted Crop Over We Coming, Phil Brathwaite, Mike Remie, Orlando Hinds Larry “Patches” Small, Peter Clarke and Darley Brown. Funds from the event will establish a scholarship in Jiggs Kirton’s name.

Nurse for a day - a different kind of experience at Maimonides Hospital, Brooklyn, facilitated by President of the Nurses Association, Cicely Wilkinson. Did the whole nurses thing - Ghanaian-born Pauline Anane was

my excellent mentor for the day. But it was a great networking event. Happy to have the opportunity to thank the hospital for their substantial donations to Barbados during the pandemic.

AJASS: Pioneers of the Black is

Beautiful Movement – a documentary by Louise Dente that captures the history of a group of five men and their impact was shown at the Dwyer Cultural Center, Harlem, on 15 May to a packed audience.

AJASS was the force when afros was the thing, natural hair, African gowns hair wraps, all of which it pushed. Two members were second generation Barbadian brothers, Elombe Brath and Kwame Brathwaite. A very different group of people were met.

Rev. Canon Ryan Boyce, appointed in 2021, was instituted in May as the 10th Rector of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, Hollis, Queens. The Celebrant and preacher was the Right Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of the Diocese of Long Island.

Kerwin Devonish – Long and productive session with the filmmaker known for his work with Spike Lee. With Barbados positioning the cultural sector as a growth area, Devonish should be a first choice for support in the film production area.

Rev. Dr. David Barrow – Mt. Zion Tabernacle Christian Mission of Panama Inc. marked the 32nd Pastoral Anniversary of its Senior Pastor with a service and Barbadian feast. The church is home to many Barbadians and descendants of Barbadians. Dr. Barrow coordinated the visit of the largest group of Panamanians to Barbados for the reunification of his church with the Christian Mission in Barbados after 100 years.

Maloney Family Fund Raiser – Following an approach by Michelle Brathwaite of the Barbados Support Group, (BSG) and Linda GreenidgeKirk of the popular Palace event space, we got behind the effort to assist the Maloney family who lost their home in a fire. An encouraging rallying around a Barbadian family in need. A splendid donation was made by Bajan Diaspora Online.

QEH Roundtable of Leaders & Influencers Addressing Renal Disease in Barbados: The Path Forward

– a very informative and necessary exchange of ideas by most of the key persons involved in this area.

Caribbean Heritage Month event hosted by Assemblywoman Jaime Williams and Senator Roxanne J.

Persaud – one of the very few showcases that paid comprehensive tribute to Caribbean countries and cultures. Judy Newton set the Barbados stall apart.

Kathy Elliot, an advocate against domestic violence, founder of Women’s Motivation Services and stronger supporter of Barbadian causes, held the Women’s Motivational Services – Men Supporting Women (New Initiative) Fancy Hats & Gloves Fundraiser Back to School Free School Supplies. A very different event, part worship service, inspirational cheerleading and fun.

Ocean House, Rhode Island – spent most of a day with Barbadian workers at the exquisite hotel when they held a Barbados Day. Very proud to hear President Dant Hirsch, and others, singing the praises of the Barbadians – and Barbados rum!

AFUWI Caribbean History Month celebration – joined fellow CGs Andre Laveau, Trinidad, and Jerimiah Hyacinth, St. Lucia, for a lively discussion,

Great Minds are made in the Carib-

bean. A diverse group attended.

Earl Phillips Retirement Function

– happy to coordinate this deserved tribute to a Barbadian achiever and strong supporter attended by New York’s top officials, colleagues, family and friends.

Polo at Greenwich Village – always delivers a variety of positive interactions. This year, a host of persons who love Barbados, have visited or will be visiting. Rum cocktails a sure hit.

Donna Babb-Agard, QC. · A wide-ranging conversation with the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Panama Independence

Committee - the partnership continues to be worthwhile, with mutual support. Once again, we participated in the Independence Day parade.

Michelle Gall – the relaunch of the Digital Girl space by this second generation Barbadian was another event that drew new contacts. This tech teaching non-profit could be replicated in Barbados.

Chair of the Constitutional

Review Committee – informative session with retired Court of Appeal Judge, Christopher Blackman. He is still hoping the Committee will come to New York and other cities.