October is Black History Month in the UK, and there are so many events around that we don’t have the space to publicise them all, including the Barbados Independence events. – In town soon will be Lil Rick in Wembley, so he might end up on the Independence Boat ride – Edwin Yearwood will also be in town in Clapham South London –
Just in case you didn’t realise and to answer your question, the UK Barbados Deputy High Commissioner is a fellow called Mackie Holder, former Consul General in NY and the Diaspora attaché is Betty Lewis formerly of BTMI. – Meanwhile, former DHC Senator Charles Morris has a spot on CBC 100.7 radio on Friday, where he continues to wind up the populace with his views on various subjects.
The Barbados government recently appointed Birmingham Businessman Mr Athelston ‘Tony’ Sealey, OBE, as a Business envoy for the UK. Hopefully, Tony will attend Routes to BIM to inform the attendees about ways to invest their money in our beloved Barbados, a question frequently asked by many youngsters down here on the ground. – The perplexed question about getting Barbadian Products into the UK continues to confuse government officials. I think the last thing I heard was that a warehouse would be established in the Midlands to share items across the UK. – Watch this space as the Business envoy might produce a plan that ignores our exchange rate and heavily subsidises Importers like Wannis, Dees Imports, Caribbean Trade and Peter Martin to ensure that we have more Barbadian products on our shelves with a shelf life of 6 months, its challenging to say the least, Happy to say Banks beer was plentiful at Q in the Community – The London Edition- well done to all those involved.
Prolific Barbadian Author Kandace Chimbiri will be at All Saints Church in Notting Hill with another Bajan Diamond, Marilyn Devonish, discussing her latest book, The Story of Britain Black Nurses. Ms Devonish was the Chair of the Independence panel discussions held between the National Council of Barbadian Associations UK and the Barbados High Commission and many other panel events, especially during COVID-19; check Bajanhub.com on YouTube for more information. In fact, Marilyn was working remotely before the word hybrid came into the workplace.
DJ Puffy, the trailblazing disc jockey from Barbados, has once again made history by winning the coveted International DJ of the Year award at the Caribbean Music Awards. This marks a significant milestone for DJ Puffy and the Caribbean region, highlighting Caribbean artists’ immense talent and global influence.
Just as it was raining hard here in London, it was pouring down in the northern parishes of St Peter and St Lucy. Apparently, the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) issued a flash flood watch for the north and central districts, advising that scattered moderate to heavy showers and thunderstorms are possible in that area. One way to beat the water outages, I suppose, is divine assistance.
EVENTS
Monday 21st October: Routes to Bim / Engaging Diaspora Youth in the Development of Barbados – panel discussion with Dawn – Marie Armstrong, June Dixon, Ricardo Eversley and Leah Affia with Marcia Weeks at St John Divine Community Centre, London SW. A TMWS production supported by BOCFA. Register your attendance at https://routestobim24.eventbrite.co.uk or email bocfa1966@gmail.com
Saturday 26th October: Books N Tingsz and BOCFA presents the Book launch of The Story of British Black Nurses with Barbadian Author Kandace Chimbiri in conversation with Marilyn Devonish at All Saints Church Clydesdale Road Notting Hill London W11 1JS. Books will be on sale at the Bookstall as well as a variety of other Caribbean writers. This event will also be the collection point for those who want to contribute unperishable goods to be sent to Barbados for Xmas Hampers to be distributed in the parish of St. Peter. Register at https://blacknurses24.eventbrite.co.uk
Saturday 16th November: Barbados Overseas Manchester (BOM) invites you to Barbados 58th Anniversary Dance at WIOCC 74 Carmoor Road M13 0FB. Tickets £30 available from Eric: 07766 270509 or Coswin: 07459 256524
Saturday, November 16th: The 2nd Generation of Barbadians and Friends Birmingham invites you to their Barbados 58th Anniversary of Independence Dinner Ball at The Richardson Suite at West Bromwich Albion Football Ground, The Hawthorns West Bromwich B41 4LF. Tickets for £60 are available from 07827 376625. Entertainment is provided by Millicent Stephenson and Anthony Stones.
Friday 29th November – Soca Overload Fusion with LIL Rick – Crystals Banqueting Suite, I Popping Business Centre, Southway Wembley
Saturday 30th November: Barbados Overseas Communities and Families Association (BOCFA) extends an invitation to join them at Barbados 58th Anniversary Independence Gala Ball at Holiday Inn Hotel, Commerce Rd, Brentford London TW8 8GA. Entertainment by International Soprano Singer Alison Buchanan with DJ Rocky Boss/ Coolbreeze – Formal dress – Reception 7.00 pm Tickets £70 – online at https://bocfa58galaball.eventbrite.co.uk or: +44 7956 849782 – + 44 7956 874423 – +44 7522739414 – +44 7727159826 – more information bocfa1966@gmail.com
Saturday 30th November: Barbados And Friends Association Reading invites you to their Barbados 58th Anniversary Charity Dinner and Dance The Holiday Inn Basingstoke Road Reading RG2 0SL – Black Tie – Entertainment by Judy Vaughan and Saxophonist Kemmie – Tickets £65 – 07889 641600
Sunday 1st December: The NCBA UK, under the patronage of the Barbados High Commissioner, HE Milton Inniss, presents A service of Thanksgiving celebrating Barbados’ 58th Anniversary of Independence – at Church of God of Prophecy 30 Bunyan Road, Kempston Bedford MK42 8HL Sermon by Bishop Richard Trotman, Senior Pastor – Theme: Conserving the planet, preserving the future’ – Please be seated by 1.30 pm. Info: ncbabajansuk@gmail.com.
Sunday 22nd December – Soca Republic Concert live with Edwin Yearwood https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/soca-republic-concert-live-with-edwin-yearwood-tickets-1039407675337?aff=ebdsshsms&utm_share_source=listing_android
