By Lincoln DePradine

A group of Barbadian-Canadians is using an upcoming event to raise funds for Barbados, which was among Caribbean countries impacted by the passage of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean earlier this year.

“We are hoping to raise $10,000,” at a fundraising gala to be held as part of the 58th anniversary of the independence of Barbados, a spokesperson for the Barbados Canada Association (BCA) told The Caribbean Camera.

A former British colony, Barbados attained its independence on November 30, 1966, with Errol Barrow as the nation’s first prime minister.

The country, which became a republic on November 30, 2021, suffered business and home damage, and roads were flooded, when Beryl—a category 4 hurricane—struck the island on July 1.

The most consequential impact occurred along the coast, which was pummeled severely by storm surge.

The “Independence Fundraising Gala”, according to the BCA, will be a “celebration of Barbadian heritage, culture, and community impact” that is being put on “to raise funds to support the Barbados Disaster Management Relief Fund, as well as grants for students of environmental management studies”.

The event is 6 pm, November 30, at the Scarborough Convention Centre, 20 Torham Place.

The BCA promises a “swanky” all-inclusive event, “offering guests a taste of Barbados’ vibrant culture through authentic cuisine, entertainment and guest speakers”.

“We wanted to remind the diaspora of where we came from and what it took to get to where we are with independence and now as a republic; the journey must not be forgotten and celebrated,” said Mark Hoyte, president of the BCA.

The evening’s program, to be hosted by Redd, a popular Toronto radio and TV personality, will incorporate segments of entertainment, including a live appearance from popular Barbadian band, “2 Mile Hill”.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter