Locals and tourists experienced aspects of old time Barbados during yesterday’s ‘Speightstown Alive – The Carolina’s Link’.
The historic location of Speightstown in St. Peter was abuzz with activity yesterday when locals and tourists converged there for ‘Speightstown Alive – The Carolina’s Link.’
This all-day event commenced at 10 a.m. and featured activities such as the St. Peter Pick De Dish finals, an En Plein Aire Painting Workshop, an Art Expo, an Entrepreneur’s Hub and Genealogy Marketplace and live performances by individuals and groups on different stages in sections of the town.
Patrons additionally had the opportunity to purchase locally made craft and products from vendors around the town, learn about the history of St. Peter at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society’s booth and enjoy local cuisine while in the Bajan Food Village at the Esplanade.
Through Speightstown Alive, which forms part of the national We Gatherin’ celebrations for St. Peter, the 350th anniversary of Barbados’ connection to the Carolina’s was commemorated. This was particularly done through the ‘Carolinas Float Parade and Heritage Walk’ which moved off from the Mahaica Playing Field, which is situated near the Bus Terminal.
Speaking to Barbados Advocate, Event Consultant with the Parish Organising Committee for St. Peter, Jamal Slocombe said he was happy with the public’s response to the event. He also said he was excited to be marking the “350th celebrations of Barbadians leaving Speightstown to go to Charleston in the Carolina’s.”
“Today is the step in the right direction. I believe that under the We Gatherin’ initiative, the Parish Organising Committee has been able to mobilise persons to come to Speightstown to really recognise that Speightstown is not a forgotten treasure but it actually just needs a little tender love and care and that is what we are trying to do today.”
He added that all vendors who ordinally plied their trade in the town were involved in the day’s activity.
“We worked with them. We ensured that they met the food and safety regulations, those who were selling food. We worked with businesses in Speightstown so that they started offering discounts in their operations today [Saturday] so that persons coming into Speightstown whether they are coming by car, van or bus or if they came on a water taxi, they would have the opportunity to experience what is authentic Speightstown.”
‘Speightstown Alive – The Carolina’s Link’ culminated with a Soca Jazz Concert in the evening.