Barbados We Gatherin’ 2025: Come ‘Long Home Reception Recap

More than 60 attendees gathered at Island SPACE on the evening of Saturday, March 1, 2025 for Barbados We Gatherin’ in South Florida, part of the We Gatherin’ 2025: Come ‘Long Home event series. This celebration welcomed the Bajan diaspora and encouraged them to visit their home island for a series of initiatives presented throughout this year. The event was hosted by the Consulate General of Barbados at Miami and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI). 

A Bajan Blast

The evening began with lively music and delicious Bajan appetizers, setting the tone for a night of culture and connection. Guests also had the opportunity to enter a raffle for a chance to win a free trip for two to Barbados.

Representatives from the Barbados consulate, including Consul General Rudy Grant were the main hosts of the evening. Since his appointment on July 1, 2022, Consul General Grant has been dedicated to strengthening ties between Barbadians in the south and southeastern USA and their home country, bringing with him a diverse background in economics, law, and tourism. 

He was joined by his recently appointed Deputy Consul General, Dalton “Tyrone” Lovell, who interacted with the audience throughout the night, asking them to sing songs and interpret colloquial sayings, with trivia winners receiving We Gatherin’ merch provided by Family Ting Productions. The keynote presentation was offered by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc USA branch director, Peter Mayers, a key organizer of the event. 

We Gatherin’ 2025 is a Bajan call to “come ‘long home.” As part of the year-long campaign, each of the island’s 12 parishes, and from the cliffs of St. Lucy to the markets of Bridgetown, will buzz with monthly, themed events that touch on everything that makes Barbados unique including faith, family, sports and community. 

This event, as well as this campaign, aims to celebrate Barbadian traditional ways of life, showcase the diversity of Barbadian talent and excellence, give back to communities that contribute to the country’s advancement, capitalize on economic opportunities, and craft a collective vision of future Barbados. 

For more information on this campaign, you can visit wegatherinbim.com

Attendees left feeling inspired to reconnect with their Bajan heritage, with many eager to plan their next visit to the island. The event reinforced the warmth and vibrancy of Barbadian culture, leaving guests excited for future gatherings in the series. 

CG Grant also made a promise to ensure more Barbadian representation in the exhibit hall at Island SPACE.

Enjoy this gallery of photos showing some of our favorite moments:

For more information on future events, visit islandspacefl.org/events.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Island SPACE is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Broward County Cultural Division, BBX Capital Foundation, Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida, “King” George Jograj, Dr. Lydia Malcom of Authentic Behavioral Health LLC, and her husband, Mr. Waynewright Malcolm, Alexandra P. Davis, and the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Judith Cornfeld Fund for the Arts, Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund, and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund.

About Island SPACE Caribbean Museum

Island SPACE Caribbean Museum is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Caribbean’s diverse heritage through exhibits, educational programs, and events that spotlight the region’s history, art, and music.

The facility features a historical archive filled with information and artifacts from across the Caribbean region, a fine art gallery and multipurpose spaces.

The public is invited to visit the museum Thursdays through Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. General museum entry is $15 per adult and $7.50 per child. Visit islandspacefl.org to learn more.

Get Involved

If you’d like to participate in a future staging of this event or to get involved otherwise, here’s how you can:

Sponsor an upcoming event: Email museum@islandspacefl.org or call 954-999-0989

Become a vendor at an upcoming event: https://islandspacefl.org/become-a-vendor

Volunteer with us: https://islandspacefl.org/volunteer

Become a museum member: https://islandspacefl.org/membership

Plan your visit to the museum: islandspacefl.org/visit

Book an event with us: Email museum@islandspacefl.org or call 954-999-0989