The season of love, happiness, and peace is once again with us. The Board of Directors, Management, Staff and Volunteers of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons take this opportunity to extend warm Holiday Greetings to all of our members and friends in Barbados, the region and beyond.

The year 2015 was a vibrant and productive one full of celebration, rich in advocacy, education and awareness activities. The date October 25, 2015 marked the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of our beloved organization. Celebrations included:

• A Thanksgiving Church Service at the St. George Parish Church;
• A Bus Tour inclusive of lunch at the scenic Animal Flower Cave; and
• The BARP on the Seas Celebratory Party Cruise.

We thank everyone who participated in these events and expressed well-wishes on this most momentous milestone.

During our anniversary month we launched the BARP Golden Homes Group Homeowners Insurance Plan. This initiative provides BARP members with competitive home insurance rates, flexible payment terms and a range of benefits. The savings to be realized with this home insurance plan are significant. In addition, we extended accessibility to the Globe BARP Visa Credit Card to the relatives of BARP members, even if they are not yet fifty. We strongly urge you to take advantage of this credit card which offers one of the lowest annual rates and interest rates on today’s market.

The year 2015 did bring some challenges, however, we were able to continue forging strategic alliances with corporate Barbados. We express gratitude to all of our concessionaires, business partners and fellow not-for-profit organizations. These organizations have greatly assisted us in our continuing effort to pursue ways and means to lower the cost of living for our members as well as facilitate the many workshops, seminars and activities held throughout the year.

The health and wellness of our members and the nation continue to be of utmost importance to the Association. In 2016 we plan to increase our efforts in the fight against Non Communicable Diseases with the implementation of a United Nations sponsored, home gardening project titled the “BetterLife Gardening Project”.

This project will equip both BARP members and the general public with the knowledge to expertly utilize best practice techniques to grow sustainable organic home gardens to improve the quality of the food they eat, as well as lower the food bill.. On this note, we remind you to enjoy the treats of the season in moderation.

Our volunteers exemplify the spirit of the Christmas season all year round and to them we owe much of our successes to date. We therefore express a resounding thank you to the hundreds of Volunteers and Friends of the Association who selflessly gave of their time and expertise to grow the organization from strength to strength over its 20 years of existence.
We take this opportunity to thank all of our members who have graciously given to the BARP Personal Assistance Fund over the past year. Your contributions provided us with the necessary funds to assist BARP members in dire need.

We urge you to continue to embody the spirit of the season and to be your brother’s keeper in the coming year. Give to those less fortunate than you, a little is better than nothing at all.

Lastly, to my colleagues, I thank you for the dedication and professionalism exhibited in 2015. Happy Holidays, and all the best for the coming year. Let us all continue to be Bold, Active, Resourceful and Proud!