One deserving Barbadian family is in for a major home makeover, just in time for Christmas this year.

Arawak Cement, in association with Harris Paints and Genesis Construction, launched the Arawak Cement Home Sweet Home Make Over show to be aired on CBC TV and online in October.

The show allows Barbadians to nominate a deserving family for a major home makeover by applying for the Arawak Cement Home Sweet Home Makeover.
Arawak and its partners will remodel the winning home and from this, a TV series will be created.

At the official launch, Juan Bedoya, Marketing Manager of Arawak Cement told specially invited guests at the Grande Salle: “The Home Sweet Home project speaks to Arawak’s core business of making cement that has built Barbadian homes for over 30 years, but also to our slogan – “building a stronger Barbados”.

“We are the only local manufacturer of cement and the market leader, here for the long haul, and prepared to work through thick and thin as a major local manufacturer, foreign exchange earner through our exports and significant employer of Barbadians at all levels in the company.”

Bedoya explained while the show would be entertaining and informative, it was also contributing to the community by assisting a deserving Barbadian family in need of a home makeover.

He explained that the Home Sweet Home journey for Arawak Cement started when the company sponsored a song by the same name written and performed by Edwin Yearwood last Crop Over. The song went onto win the Sweet Soca Monarch Competition and has become a central part of Arawak Cement’s marketing programme.

The call for deserving homeowners has begun. Persons interested in nominating a family will need to fill out an application form giving details of the family in need. Nominees must be Barbadian citizens, own the property and the land and be willing to appear on television.

A panel of five, consisting of a representative of the Salvation Army, The Vagrants and Homeless Sociey, The Variety Club, the BARP Personal Assistance Fund and well-known humanitarian, Marilyn Rice Bowen will review the applications and facilitate the selection of the home to be made over. The other finalists will also receive gifts.

“We are delighted that we have been able to attract some of the best Barbadian brands to join us and we are appreciative of their generous contributions. We believe that beyond the give back to the families chosen, this project will also promote Barbadian products and services and broaden consumer education on the various aspects of building your home,” Bedoya said.

The launch also saw Calypsonian Edwin Yearwood surprise the audience by singing his 2016 hit: Home Sweet Home.

Alison Saunders Productions Inc, a new entity of the group known for the production of Bank on ME – an award-winning reality show for entrepreneurs, are the producers for the show. Popular presenter and entrepreneur, Chris Harper will be host of the show.

In addition to Genesis Construction and Harris Paints, Arawak is supported by a number of partners including Barbados Lumber Company, Barbados Steel Works, MCTV, Tony Brooks Architects, Casa D Projects, Pro Photo Studio, Trident Insurance, Exclusive Lighting, Granite Solutions, WOW Displays and La Belle Vie.