Virtual Dems celebration

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) celebrations to commemorate the birth of party founder and father of the country’s Independence, Errol Barrow, will be strictly a virtual affair.

The change is in keeping with Barbados’ grappling with the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Errol Barrow Memorial Lecture, one of the hallmarks of the week of activities, will be delivered by Dr Ronnie Yearwood, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, UWI, Cave Hill Campus. The lecture, which will be broadcast live on social media and on YouTube, will be under the theme Barrows’ Legacy: A New Vision.

During a press conference yesterday to announce plans for the week of activities, DLP president Verla De Peiza revealed that preparations for the celebrations were in place months ago but since news broke last December of the second wave of COVID-19, they have been forced to adapt to the circumstances.

“We have had to very quickly change direction and fortunately in the recent times the Democratic Labour Party has embraced technology. So we have found it very easy to pivot in this direction. We take very seriously that despite not having any seats in Parliament, we remain the phone call of choice for citizens when they are having issues and we are certain that this programme is one that many Barbadians are looking forward to,” she explained.

The week of activities will begin on Sunday with an online church service. The lecture will be held on Thursday, Errol Barrow Day.

The Young Democrats will be hosting a virtual paint and sip on January 23, featuring images associated with Barrow.

On January 24 there will be a DLP North Zone meeting and the activities will culminate on January 30, with a games night. (CLM)