Barbados’ Ambassador to the United States of America, Vic Fernandes (second from left), flanked by winners of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s trip for two to Barbados. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade)
“We Gatherin’ 2025 is about us as a people. It is a celebration designed to inspire national pride in all Barbadians and create the environment for us to create the best version of Barbados for us, by us. Barbados is calling you home!”
Barbados’ Ambassador to the United States of America, Vic Fernandes, made this declaration last Saturday, while delivering the keynote address at the Embassy of Barbados’ We Gatherin’ launch in Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles, California.
Ambassador Fernandes stated that the year-long event was “not just a festival” but “a celebration of us—we Bajans”.
He continued: “It is an opportunity to honour our achievements, share our stories, and look boldly toward the future. Imagine a year where every parish comes alive, culminating in December when we all come together, showcasing the vibrancy of our culture in every village and community. Picture the laughter and conversations of reunited families and old friends, filling the air with joy and nostalgia.”
Over 200 Barbadians, including from the Barbados Association of Southern California, and Bajan and Friends for Health and Education Inc., participated in the launch. They benefitted from exchanges with the team from the Embassy of Barbados, which comprised Ambassador Fernandes; First Secretary William Clarke; and Information and Logistics Officer, Tricia Greaves-Staggs.
Prizes and giveaways were facilitated by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and Export Barbados. First Secretary Clarke also took the opportunity to introduce some of Barbados’ priorities, including education reform; creating a diaspora database; trade; digital transformation and the Bridgetown Initiative.
He indicated that We Gatherin’ 2025 is more than an event – it’s a chance to deepen our bonds and revel in the pride of being Bajan and to connect with Barbadians near and far, wherever in the world they may be.
Author: Government of Barbados
Source: https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/blog/barbados-goes-to-southern-california/
