A stellar lineup of local and regional entertainers will be on offer at the CARICOM 50th Anniversary mega concert slated for the National Botanical Gardens on Monday, July 31, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, said the concert would give full expression to CARICOM’s solidarity in the context of its advocacy globally, which has served the region well.
While encouraging Barbadians to come out and support the national celebration, Senator Munro-Knight told reporters during a press conference at Government Headquarters to announce plans to observe the 50th Anniversary was also in recognition of the role of Barbadian Prime Ministers in the Caribbean Community and the various institutions located here.
The Minister disclosed that some of the big names in local and regional entertainment slated for the event include Destra Garcia, from Trinidad; St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Kevin Little; The Most Honourable Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire; Dr. The Most Honourable Anthony “Mighty Gabby” Carter; Krosfyah; Peter Ram; TC; Lil Rick; and Nikita.
There will also be cultural performances from the Israel Lovell Foundation, other dance groups, and gospel artistes. “We really want to invite Barbadians to come out because this is really a moment to celebrate, but it’s also a moment as well for us to showcase our own cultural heritage.
“So you will also see the Israel Lovell Foundation; we will also have a number of other cultural arts…. We will have gospel artistes as well, … Neesha Woodz and dance groups will be there. We will also be telling the story of CARICOM, chronicling that through a number of educational clips to make sure that we again tell the story and give full ventilation to the moments of the 50th anniversary,” Senator Munro-Knight stated.
Assistant Secretary General of the CARICOM Secretariat, with responsibility for Trade Negotiations and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Ambassador Wayne McCook, said Barbados had played a critical role at all stages of regional integration movement.
He added that other activities to commemorate the 50th Anniversary include a flag raising ceremony, placement of a time capsule, planting of trees, and other celebrations in territories that reflect the connection between the Community, and the national agenda and aspirations of the people
“And I think Barbados is moved to have the celebration in this way, to pause to celebrate and of course to reflect is most timely and the Community is very supportive. of this.
“Of course, Barbados, as Minister has indicated, has played and continues to play a central role in many areas of the work of the Community, and at the moment the most significant undertaking of the Community, is of course, the Single Market and Economy and the Prime Minister of Barbados is the lead Head of Government for that and provides guidance and direction in concert with her colleagues for what continues to be the most ambitious agenda of the Community.”