Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams has declared We Gatherin’ a clear success, arguing that parish pride, revived community participation and a renewed sense of national solidarity have proven the initiative’s value as it blends into the Independence season.
Responding to questions during a press conference held at Parliament recently, Abrahams said the steady turnout at parish-level events over the past year demonstrated that the programme had fostered civic engagement and re-energised local traditions.
“I can simply point to the participation in events that were under the We Gatherin’ banner . . . I’ve seen people come out to events I haven’t seen before and it has generated a good community spirit,”
he said.
The minister described communities closely following parish events, cheering local teams and participating in sporting and cultural activities with a renewed sense of belonging.
“There’s been a great rivalry between parishes and communities,” he said, noting that the atmosphere remained celebratory rather than divisive.
“It has given people something to do not just once a month or twice a month, but constantly for the entire year,” he said.
Citing the energy surrounding a recent cricket final in Christ Church, he added: “A couple of days ago, the Inch Marlow cricket team snatched the inaugural We Gatherin’ Christ Church T20 cricket competition and did so in fine style . . . people turned out in their numbers to see it, who would not normally come out and watch cricket,” he pointed out.
Abrahams said Barbadians living abroad also engaged meaningfully with the programme, returning during their parish month or contributing to causes linked to their home communities.
He highlighted charitable gestures from overseas Barbadians, including a donation of sporting equipment to youth groups in Christ Church.
“A young lady who lives in the [United] States brought in about $10 000 worth of sporting equipment that she gave out to groups and individuals. She wanted to do it as part of We Gatherin’,” the minister disclosed.
Abrahams argued that the energy generated by the initiative had naturally flowed into the national mood ahead of Independence, especially in St Michael, the final parish in the rotation.
“The spirit of We Gatherin’ has been evident in Barbados for the whole year and has been culminating for this month in St Michael,” he said.
As Barbados prepares for formal state events and mass public celebrations, Abrahams urged individuals to approach the season with pride and discipline.
“We are going to be on show nationally in our national month. I just want to urge Barbadians to participate and be safe in doing so,” he said.
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