Apology for lack of updates

My apology for the lack of updates recently. Working on some new content for the blog and social media platforms including the introduction of original video. There is no timeline as to when this content will be rolled out but I will keep you the readers updated. Thanks for your patience. Oh and the photo above has nothing to do with the new content...it's just a cool photo and a random photo chosen to soothe the disappointment at the lack of recent updates (I hope the therapeutic nature of the photo works). Until my next update, bye for now!

1688 Orchestra delights

The 1688 Orchestra's 'Bajan Jazz' Album launch was held at the Walcott Warner Theatre of the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination

The 1688 Orchestra led by Artistic Director Stefan Walcott held their “Bajan Jazz” Album Launch at the Walcott Warner Theatre of the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination (EBCCI) on Thursday 22 March 2012. The ensemble comprised mainly of young adults aged 20 to 25 gave a delightful performance to a near capacity crowd at the venue.

With arrangements from individuals such as Nicholas Brancker and Andre Woodvine the audience was treated to a wonderful array of musical interpretations including pieces based and inspired by some of Barbados’ most popular and classic musical numbers. The result was a wonderful medley of rhythms and influences including those from the genre of jazz.

There is no doubt that there is an abundance of musical talent in Barbados and the 1688 Orchestra is another shining example of this fact.

For more information on the group visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/1688-Orchestra-and-Collective/125141497586537

Bajan in 5 blog gives the ‘1688 Orchestra “Bajan Jazz” Album Launch event a 5 out of 5 “Green Coconut” rating.

The 1688 Orchestra with "They want to know"

At 8:57 this video is longer than five minutes but we believe it is worth the extra 3 minutes and 57 seconds of your time to view and listen to the musical talents of these young Barbadians. This video is from a performance a couple of years ago and showcases the talent of the group which will be featured in our latest review coming soon. 

N.B: The views expressed in this piece are solely those of the Bajan in 5 blog

Highway to where? PART 2

(Bajan in 5 File Photo) ABC Highway

As noted in our previous commentary the manner in which roads in Barbados are maintained does leave a lot to be desired. However, the recent visit of a royal nature showed that given a factor of motivation, work can be done effectively and a timely way.

In the weeks leading up to the visit the public saw a display of dedication and efficiency not normally seen on the island when it comes to road maintenance. One such illustration was instances of foliage clearing done during the night. As far as this blog is aware that is unprecedented on the island. In addition the debris cleared was placed in bags and picked up from the side of the highway in no more than two days (instead of the normal situation where the un-bagged piles of debris lay on the highway verge for weeks on end).

The country also saw the re-painting of road markings and the re-paving of roads in certain parts of the island. With news of the up-coming visit of a royal nature as well as signs of efficient and timely road work and road maintenance it became obvious which route those on this visit of a royal nature would be taking. In fact there was no need to say which roads they would be travelling on. The following is a sample scenario which members of the public could confidently deduce “well based on the fact that the road marking and repairs stop there and continue when you turn right…that means the procession would turn right at this intersection!”

The rush to complete repairs was not only limited to the roads, some government buildings also received a much needed spruce-up. It should be noted that many people in Barbados were upset about the amount of money spent for this occasion (it was reported in the press to be around $800,000 Barbados dollars).

While it is true a large sum of money was spent, the country as a whole did benefit. In addition, it is possible that some temporary level of employment was created. However, that does not negate the fact that what was done for this visit of a royal nature is something that should be done all the time. This is Barbados and the proper maintenance of roads and government buildings should be done all during the year for the benefit of residents and visitors to the island. Road maintenance is not ‘just for show’ and special occasions.

Some commentators on the island even opined that they would not mind a visit of a royal nature every month…their only stipulation being that the visiting party would have to visit a different part of the island each time so that the whole island would benefit from road repairs and maintenance! As much as we are sorry to admit it, it does seem like their suggestion is the only way the people of Barbados would benefit from efficiency when it comes to road maintenance.