BCABC Independence Church Service
Someone said it was just like old times, children underfoot and cavorting all over the room oblivious to the religion that was happening around them, the sweet smell of Bajan foods in the air and friends and members of the BCABC all gathered at the Surrey Rec. Centre for the annual BCABC Independence Church Service on Sunday, November 29th.
Some of the members and friends of the BCABC in attendance
Marilyn Moseley, vice president of the BCABC, was given the task of organizing this year’s event, and with her planning committee of Veronica Clarke and Beverley Goodridge it seemed to have been quite successful.
Of course there were many hands that helped and many contributions of food that made the festive table a sight to drool over.
The children in session from Left - tayah, Charley-Ann, Miriam, Aaliayah and Jayden. MC, Cynthia Williams looks on.
One of the highlights of the evening program was the children’s choir performance, complete with jimbhe accompaniment. In the singing line-up were (in no particular order) Aaliyah (jimbhe drummer), Jayden (soloist), Miriam, Charley-Ann and Tayah. Pastor Darwin Stuart did the sermon and Pat Goodridge gave the departure prayer.
Fred and Ina Wilson enjoy Fred's commendation and their 'Happy Anniversary' song
Another highlight of the evening was the certificate of appreciation awarded to Fred Wilson for his contribution, from day one, to the health and welfare of the BCABC as well as his promotion of Barbados. He was quite shocked and was at a loss for words but he soon got over that. Wife, Ina, was called up to join Fred at the front and a rousing happy anniversary song was sung in their honour celebrating a long, long, long time as a married couple. For that accomplishment Fred shared a kiss with his beloved and again the look of shocked dawned on his face.
Veronica Clarke reads the tribute to Sir Deighton Ward. Marilyn awaits her turn.
An oral tribute was paid to the first two Governor-Generals of Barbados after Independence, Sir Winston Scott and Sir. Deighton Ward, read by Mrs. Anita Sandiford and Mrs. Veronica Clarke respectively. Marilyn Moseley read the tribute to the first female General-General, Dame Nita Barrow.
Pastor Darwin Stuart delivers the sermon.
Topping off the evening was an en masse attack on the sumptuous selection of food, and, in the words of a recent Bajan jump-up song… nuff lotta long-talk.
Many of the food items were extremely delicious and some disappeared in a flash. Many were surprised at the quality and flavour of the coconut bread after finding out who made it.
A splendid way to spend a Grey-Cup afternoon.
Congratulations to the BCABC and kudos for a very enjoyable afternoon.
Mr. P aparazzi
For more pictures of the event please click on the link: http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/barbadosassociation/BCABC%20church%20callnew%20album%20name/
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BCABC annual Gala banquet 2009
Well it is finally in the past. Independence celebrations 2009 for the BCABC has come and gone. Even though we all look forward to it with great anticipation, it is a night of dread and hand-wringing by the executive and organizers of the annual event. With much to worry about, question and second-guess, like consideration of the weak links in the chain of events, contingency plans for failures and last minute changes, alternate plans in the case of catastrophes and MC faux-pas such as possible off-colour comments or jokes. All these things are in the minds of the people trying to maintain the positive image and reputation of the BCABC while still presenting an evening of fond memories. In spite of all the pre-mentioned concerns, all of that is secondary to the main question that needs to be answered first and foremost…how many tickets were sold. With that question answered in the satisfactory tense, life is a lot easier for the planners but worries will still abound.
Mr James Inniss Consul for Barbados at Toronto (left) with Mr. Eric Drayton, President of the BCABC
The evening was a late start but gradually gained momentum with the help of the beautiful co-MC’s, Ms. Elise Drayton and Mrs. Michelle DeAbreu. Behind the scenes, bodies were hustling and problems attended to, discretionary actions were taken and complaints muted by the likes of the president, Eric Drayton, and his committee of aides as well as wonderful innate natural helpers who seem to appear at such functions.
Three guests supplied entertainment for the evening: Steel- Pan student Celia, an eighteen-month veteran of the magic metal drum, gave a two-song recital. Nervous but perseverant, Celia made a wonderful impression on the audience. Pan-Master and teacher, Kennrick Headley, then gave his renditions of some jazz standards, as usual showing why he is among best pannist in the lower mainland. Mr. Fantastic, a young and athletic balancing act was the final offering. Unknown to many in the audience he was a hit as demonstrated by all the patrons that left their seats to crowd around the edges to catch a glimpse of this new talent.
Left: Kennrick Headley and student, Celia Palmer play the pans.
Left: Mr. Fantastic performing his balancing act.
Door prizes were won by many but the three most coveted, the money tree, the 50/50 and the return trip to Barbados were all won by ladies.
Left: Sylvia Jemmott, winner of the money tree
Sylvia Jemmott won the money-tree prize; a tree adorned with many, many scratch n win lottery tickets, potentially worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe even millions. Sharon King had the lucky ticket for the 50/50 draw and took home, hopefully safely, many hundreds of dollars. The 50/50 prize is half of the collected 50/50 ticket sales money. The other half goes to the host group. The much advertised prize trip to and from Barbados was won by Ms. Michelle Vanderhoof and, get this, her second such prize. Some people have all the luck ent it?
Above left: Sharon shows her winning ticket for the 50/50 draw. Above right: Michelle Vanderhoof receives her prize from Mr. James Innis.
The awards and tokens of recognition were accepted by Elise Drayton, Antoinette Drygden, Bev Drayton, Angela Campbell, Grace Henry, Anita Sandiford and Eric Drayton. Yes, almost a Drayton sweep. The Dame Nita Barrow Award for community service was awarded to Ms. Monifa Ayinde. 
Ms. Monifa Ayinde (centre) receives her Dame Nita BArrow Award for Community Service from Eric Drayton.
DJ Daddy Mikey played very well as reflected by a packed dance floor for the whole night. The ladies looked wonderful and the men handsome, even the children looked beautiful. After polling those of us with impeccable taste, an eye for beauty and a sense of proportion, it was agreed that a beautiful young lady by the name of Karlan be given the title of 'Belle of the Ball'. She wore a beautiful brown gown which was sophisticated yet simple, and was beautiful from almost any angle.
The meal was very good with ample variety and selection as was the dessert with its mind-boggling choices of cheesecakes.
I had a wonderful time renewing friendships and making new ones.
Taking some editorial liberty, from the attendees to the president, executive and members of the BCABC…
“Happy Independence, Excellent job and well done.”
For more pictures of the event please click on the link: http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/barbadosassociation/BCABC%20banquet%202009/
and: http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/barbadosassociation/BCABC%20banquet%20too/
also: http://picasaweb.google.com/deja8087/BarbadosIndependenceGalla2009#
As always, if anyone should want their picture(s) removed from public view, please inform me via email or telelphone and it will be done.
Mr. P aparazzi
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Bajan Diplomatic Team visit BC.
They were not the Father, Son or Holy Ghost, Larry, Curly or Moe, the Three Muskateers nor any other famous trio in history but they were reason for the gathering of Bajans and friends at the Surrey Recreational centre on the Fraser Highway in Surrey, BC on Monday, 15th June 2009.
Right side photo: L~R: Hon Con, Marilyn Moseley, Mr. Leroy McClean, Consul General, Mr. Ferdinand Gill, Consul in Toronto and His Excellency Mr. Evelyn Greaves, Barbados High Commissioner to Canada.
A meeting room filled to capacity with Bajans, heads of Caribbean cultural organizations and friends welcomed His Excellency Mr. E. Evelyn Greaves, Barbados’ High Commissioner to Canada, The Honorable Mr. Leroy McClean, Consul General and Mr. Ferdinand Gill, Consul in Toronto.
Opening the evening was a wonderful performance of traditional Caribbean songs performed by drummer, Ali Johnson and his Mukotano group. Mrs. Marilyn Moseley, Honorary Consul for Barbados in BC, introduced the visiting team, which was then followed by messages from the High Commissioner, the Consul General and the Consul in Toronto.
After a question and answer period, fielded mainly by Mr. McClean, Mr. Eric Drayton, president of the BCABC, gave the vote of thanks, which was then followed by the singing of the National Anthem of Barbados.
Prior to that point in the evening we found out from The Hon. Mr. Leroy McClean that Mr. Ferdinand Gill served some time at the Barbados prison, and, during the question and answer period, when asked about qualifications for civil service pensions, the High Commissioner announced that he too was too short. Not to be left out, Mr. McClean went on the morning Caribbean radio show and during the interview mentioned that the first govenor of BC was a Bajan. As the last syllable of his statement was leaving his mouth and travelling down the wires to the speaker, the phone at home started to ring. Thanks to some quick diplomacy and soothing sounds in Guyanese, the Caribbean members of the lower mainland are still as one.
The evening ended with conversation and much finger foods native to Barbados, like fish cakes, pone, coconut breads, mauby and much more.
A delightful evening was enjoyed by most and many said they were happy to have been there.
The BCABC looks forward to future visits from the dignitaries in the months ahead.
For these and more pictures and video of this event please visit: http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/barbadosassociation/High%20commisioners%20visit/
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BCABC back in the water.
BCABC is back in the water. Three or four or five years after their last boat cruise, the BCABC has re-entered the cruise/entertainment/ dinner environment with its first cruise in years. A successful return in many ways, this event bodes well for the morale and coffers of a much-depleted association.
President Eric Drayton had secured the boat from early in the year and his crew of executive and members did their best to fill the holds and decks with patrons…and were very successful. Billed as an all-inclusive Caribbean cruise, many, if not all, thought they received their money’s worth and more for the four-hour cruise in and around scenic Vancouver.
It was difficult to gauge the sale of tickets as the usual members who usually sell many were reporting drier than usual sales. However, vice president, Marilyn, Trevor, Elise, Carl and others did excellent business and managed to fill the boat. The meal was another hit and although some will always complain, and maybe justifiably so, most were quite happy with the baked chicken, sautéed salmon, rice ‘n peas, white rice and salad as well as the fruit salad and famous Langley yellow cake.
Daddy Mikey and Carl Sound vibes played exceptionally well and worked in harmony, complimenting each other’s styles. The dark, exposed top deck seemed to be a favourite for the romantics and scenic viewers as well as the real jump-up crowd who needed a cool breeze to keep their temperatures down.
The middle deck was inhabited by the conversationalists and the in-betweens. Down on the main deck were the ones who wanted to be near the food and preferred more lighting and comfortable chairs. The bow and the aft stairwell were inhabited by the smokers; don’t ask me what they were smoking, suffice to say they seemed to be highly enjoying it.
The air was warm and the early afternoon threat of rain did not materialize, instead, come evening, the skies had cleared and the feeling was just right for a trip on the waters around scenic Vancouver, Stanley Park and Canada Place…especially with a loved one.
Congratulations to Eric and his staff for an excellent cruise, and even the time-wasting exit thank-yous by the BCABC executive still seems to be appreciated by the patrons.
There was much talk from the satisfied about when the next cruise will be and as soon as the smoke clears, I might be able to let you know.
For more pictures of the people and the cruise please click on the following link: http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg201/barbadosassociation/barbadosboatcruise09/
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