Barbados Independence Anniversary Ball – The Ball is a celebration and showpiece of the best in Barbadian commemorative tradition and splendor.
» Held annually on the evening of the last Friday in November, it celebrates the Independence of Barbados, attained on November 30, 1966 from Britain.
» The fall event, which honors Barbadians primarily, continues to enjoy wide support from elected officials, businesses, other Caribbean organizations and individual patrons.
This particular celebration also enables CBONY to make significant charitable contributions at year-end.
» Commemorative Souvenir Journal – The informative souvenir journal of just fewer than 100 pages is published as part of the Barbados Independence Anniversary Ball package. Designed as a ‘keepsake’ it contains carefully selected editorial features about Barbados’ achievements since gaining nationhood, member organizations’ activities and more.
» The contents also include profiles of the honorees, messages and greetings from Barbados’ Prime Minister, and Leader of the Opposition, certain elected officials in New York and specific members of the consular and diplomatic corps of Barbados.
» Approximately one thousand copies of the journal are distributed to the several hundreds of patrons who annually attend the Ball, Benefits active persons, members of the Press, other organizations and business houses.
» CBONY publishes quarterly mailing and event data on active Barbadian organizations. This will be upgraded into a Resource Directory.
» Organized two vendor Expositions and two Cultural presentations. It is proposed to integrate these events into one major vendor Expo and Cultural Fest.
» Organized in the spring of 1998 and 1999 an OPEN HOUSE and Information Fair event within a social setting and as a networking opportunity for member organizations, sponsors and volunteers.
THE BARBADOS HOUSE PROJECT
A broad based committee has held two meetings. Several implementations strategies were considered. These include: identification of benefactors as possible donors; involvement of organizations in the development process; Federal and State opportunities for property purchase; legal and accounting considerations; scope, size, location and property usage; possible revenue streams. The anticipated steps are: commitments and donations; consideration of the best of three strategies.
PROGRAMS IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE
» Cultural extravaganza and Bajan Product Exposition
» A five-year strategic plan.
» Promotion of Road Tennis
» Literacy program including a “ Walkathon” for reading, Spelling Bee and Book Report Competition
» Thanksgiving and Christmas Benefits projects in association with St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
» Cultural Museum and cultural sensitivity project in association with a Brooklyn school.