(We Gatherin’ Vision 2020)

What is We Gatherin’?

We Gatherin’ is a celebration of Barbadian excellence and a recommitment towards our island’s prosperous future. It is also a homecoming not only representing a physical return to Barbados, but symbolising a recommitment to core Barbadian values.

Every sector, such as community groups, churches, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, as well as regional and international participants with Barbadians connections, will be encouraged to participate and welcomed to produce their own events and projects.

At the parish level, We Gatherin’ will commence in the north of the island in January 2020, moving southward every month, with each parish being designated its own month to showcase the icons, social life and food for which it is renowned.

The parish celebrations will culminate in St. Michael in November and We Gatherin’ will reach a climax in December 2020, when there will be an elaborate Old Time Bajan Christmas” extravaganza.

What was the idea behind We Gatherin’?

On November 30th, 2018, during her address at the National Independence Day Parade, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley gave a call to action for all Barbadians, either by descent, birth or by choice, to recommit to the core Barbadian values that define us as proud, caring and industrious people with an undisputed tradition of excellence.

The year 2020 was declared the year of We Gatherin’ – a year-long campaign inviting Barbadians at home and abroad to invest, contribute and participate in the parish-by-parish development of the country.

Who is the target audience?

Barbadians by birth, descent, and by choice.

What is the relationship between We Gatherin’ and Vision 2020?

Vision 2020 is the catalyst for the Government of Barbados’ long-term growth and development agenda. Under the theme: ”Purposeful Pursuit of Excellence”, Vision 2020’s principal objectives are to facilitate national transformation; create economic opportunities for Barbadians and elevate Barbados’ global brand. The flagship project under national transformation is We Gatherin’.

How can Barbadians participate?

Barbadians at home who wish to share their ideas or want to plan an event for We Gatherin’ should contact the Parish Organizing Committees in each parish. Barbadians living abroad may contact their resident foreign mission and or contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 1 Culloden Road, St. Michael, Tel. No.: (246) 431-2200, fax: (246) 429-6652, E-mail: barbados@foreign.gov.bb

What is required of Barbadians in the diaspora as it relates to We Gatherin’?

We invite Barbadians living abroad to return and participate in parish-level events and activities as part of the celebration of excellence in 2020. Barbadians in the diaspora are also encouraged to invest their time, expertise and or finances in a number of developmental projects at either the parish or national level.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is seeking to identify and engage with Barbadians living aboard. We Gatherin’ provides an opportunity for the Ministry to renew its impetus to enhance and strengthen relations among Barbadians at home, in the diaspora and who have resettled on the island.

In an effort to identify Barbadians living around the globe, the Ministry will create a skills database of Barbadians in the diaspora. Persons are encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade at www.foreign.gov.bb or email barbados@foreign.gov.bb.

Where can people get additional information on We Gatherin’?

Persons may get additional information on We Gatherin’ from visiting the website: wegatherinbarbados.com , or by contacting the Vision 2020 Project Implementation Unit at One Barbados Place, BB 12001 at telephone number: 535-7532, or by emailing kimc.butcher@barbados.gov.bb

What are the expected benefits of We Gatherin’ to Barbados?

  • Rebuild community spirit and establish a recommitment to the traditional Barbadian way of life;
  • Provide an opportunity for each parish to highlight, nationally, the uniqueness, talent, and skills of their residents and to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of their parishioners to the development of Barbados;
  • Generate revenue through events for residents in each parish.

Barbados Government Information Service

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