The feeling of Christmas was real as the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) created the perfect ambience with the staging of its Bringing It Home with BARP Christmas Party – The City at Golden Square Freedom Park last Friday night.
It was a time be jolly as members of an appreciative audience shook their feet and nodded their heads to the sounds of the Barbados Police Service Band – an icon of Barbados’ musical heritage – under the baton of director of music Senior Superintendent Andrew Lynch and multi-crowned calypso monarch of Barbados The Most Honourable Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire.
There were also appearances by noted singer Biggie Irie, SupahD (principal of Alexandra School David McCarthy), Shawnee and the BARP Dancers.
Intergenerational links
The St Cyprian Boys’ Band and Choir is being mentioned separately because of the announced philosophy of BARP, which is to establish intergenerational links. The performances by the youngsters spoke volumes for the future of musicianship. Parents and teachers can take a bow.
BARP president Marilyn Rice-Bowen, during her opening remarks, said the St Cyprian’s Boys Choir and Band would be one of the highlights of the evening.
“These boys are awesome. But why did BARP decide to invite St Cyprian’s to the stage? Again, it is because we want to ensure that the youth understand how to interact with seniors. And you can’t do it by talking, you have to do it through action.
“Most of our activities always have an intergenerational link. So, this evening, we’ll have the future with the Police Band. The Police Band is continuous. But I’m certain, in the fullness of time, some of these guys, those St Cyprian’s boys, might join the Police Band – so, you never know.”
Rice-Bowen promised more social activities for BARP, which has a 22 300-strong membership between the ages of 40 and 100 years.
“We will continue to grow as we expand our offering of services and products to our members. For us, Christmas is not Christmas without the Barbados Police Service Band.
“Part of our remit at BARP is to ensure that not only we keep our seniors moving, but we ensure that they’re outside and socialising and everything. So, we will increase our activities as we seek to combat social isolation. And as you plan your activities this Yuletide season, please make sure that you plan activities for the young ones.
“And that you sit with them and share with them about Christmases a long time ago and hear from them what they feel Christmas is,” Rice-Bowen said. (JS)
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