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This island’s rich culture and heritage will be on show within a few weeks in Charleston, South Carolina, when the second extravaganza Barbados Comes [Back] to Charleston (BCTC) is held there from September 1 to 4.
The event is aimed at fostering this country’s relations with Charleston and the Carolinas, while providing opportunities for economic and business exploration.
It will also allow Barbadians living in the Diaspora to interact and network with persons and agencies at home and abroad, expose the talent of local artistes, provide an opportunity for the marketing of Barbados’ tourism and services sectors, as well as give local business people a chance to display and market their products and establish new business relations, among other things.
A number of activities have been planned for the extravaganza including a lecture on the Barbados-Carolinas Connection by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles; and a re-creation of Bridgetown Market, as well as a Market Stage which will feature cultural performances by Barbadian artistes, a fashion show by local designers and cuisine which will be prepared by local Chef Paul.
There will also be a townhall-type meeting to allow for interaction between Barbadian high-level government officials and the Barbados Diaspora; a power-point presentation on Barbados to school children in Charleston; a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony; a thanksgiving service; and sight-seeing tours of historic Charleston.??????
Team Barbados at the Consulate General in Miami is hosting the extravaganza, which is being undertaken by an Organising Committee chaired by Consul General, Colin Mayers. Members of that Committee have already visited Charleston and have met with several officials there.
The BCTC has received the support of several agencies there, including the Office of the Mayor of Charleston, the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the South Carolina African-American Heritage Commission.
Barbadians first settled in Charleston and the wider Carolinas in the 1670s. Efforts to nurture the relationship between the two led to the establishment of the Barbados-Carolinas, and the subsequent twinning of the cities of Speightstown and Charleston in November 1997.
Additionally, the Charles Towne Landing site in Charleston, which houses an exhibition that highlights the early historical connection between Barbados and South Carolina, was officially opened in August 2006.
Persons who want to find out more about the Barbados Comes [Back] to Charleston Extravaganza should visit the website http://www.barbadoscharleston.com/.