Close to 1,000 people came to appreciate or be appreciated at the 3rd Annual Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) Elders Appreciation Day Fun Fair at Pax Hill last weekend. The day was filled with entertainment for all both on stage and off. Performances by artistes including The Mighty Grynner, Tony Grazettes, Clement Maloney, Jennifer Walker, The Reddi Panners Steel Pan Band and Poonka’s Tuk Band, Mother Sally and stilt walker delighted everyone, as did Trevor Marshall’s display of Old Time Dancing and The Genesis Line Dance group. MC’d by Carolann Scantlebury and Rudolph Smith, the planned entertainment, which included many prize giveaways, was enjoyed by all. But the impromptu display of skipping by 81 year old Miss Franklin, who then settled down in front of the stage to play some pretty serious games of ‘picks up’ with her friend Mary, brought an extra dimension to the atmosphere, encouraging all ages to join in and take part in the many attractions on offer designed to bridge the generation gap whilst remaining faithful to the theme of the day which persuaded all to ‘Protect, Respect and Connect’ with our elders.

Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment, Urban & Rural Development, The Honourable , and Leader of the Opposition, The Honourable , also came to pay their respects to the nation’s senior citizens. On inviting Minister Sinckler to the stage to co-present, with BARP President Ernest Batson, awards to BARP’s oldest male and female members, thanked the Minister for the sterling work he and his ministry are doing by focusing on the needs of the elderly, and said BARP looked forward to hearing of the progress of the National Policy on Ageing which was prepared by The National Advisory Committee on Ageing, chaired by BARP member former MP Maizie Barker-Welch. Minister Sinckler confirmed that the final draft of the policy is expected to be presented to Cabinet shortly and also stated his wish to ensure the economic well being of the elderly, noting BARP’s work on Reverse Mortgages and the role which that financial product could play.

Organised by Peter Boyce Ventures in association with BARP’s Membership Committee, headed by Jean Springer, has now secured its place as a national annual event of considerable significance. Sponsored by Digicel and Tiger Malt, the event’s admission ticket price for all comers was paid for by the Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited’s’ Staff Association as a mark of respect for our elders. BARP also appreciates and thanks the NCF and Girl Guides HQ for their kind co-operation and assistance.