Excitement Building For We Gatherin’

Head of the We Gatherin’ Secretariat, Senator John King, said excitement is building all across Barbados as communities gear up to host “We Gatherin’ 2025” activities.

Billed as an event to inspire national pride in all Barbadians and to stimulate economic growth by way of investments and other inputs, the year-long celebrations offer Barbadians an opportunity to get involved in investment opportunities and to highlight the icons, heritage, social activities, and cuisine synonymous with each parish.

Senator King said momentum is building and the team had received requests from various sectors to attend meetings to discuss how they can be a part of the celebrations under the theme “Come ‘Long Home”.

“This is an early indication of the general support the initiative is getting. Also, we are attracting interest in the diaspora, and to date, I have received expressions of interest from Brazil, Liberia, and the usual source markets.

“Our regional brothers and sisters are asking not only about We Gatherin’ as an event to attend but also there have been enquiries about the possibility of helping others to implement similar initiatives,” he stated, during an interview with the Barbados Government Information Service.

The activities kicked off in St. Lucy, from January 1, under the theme Faith. To date, a number of events were held, including a church service at St. Lucy Parish Church, tree planting exercises by schools in the parish, sporting events, and community gatherings, among others.

The marquee event will be a family fun day at Archer’s Bay on Tuesday, January 21, Errol Barrow Day, which starts at 10:00 a.m.  

The event is free, and patrons are encouraged to pack their picnic baskets and head north for the activity, which promises to capture the warmth, vibrancy, and creativity of Barbadian culture. A highlight of the day’s proceedings will be performances by Barbadian artistes, and cultural showcases, among others.

St. Peter will be the focus in February, under the theme Heritage.

It is expected that We Gatherin’ would promote philanthropy and fuel environmental sustainability as Government seeks to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Goals 2030 agenda. We Gatherin’ 2025 will culminate in nationwide celebrations from November 30 to December 31, utilising all parish colours. (PR/GIS)