Laughter and music filled the air as families gathered at Archer’s Bay, St Lucy, for a day of family, fun, and food on Errol Barrow Day.
Children darted across the grounds playing games, repeatedly mounting the slides in the play area, while parents, grandparents, and guardians relaxed on picnic blankets and chairs, soaking up the festive atmosphere.
The aroma of traditional Bajan dishes wafted from the food court area, while the sounds of a band and various genres of music drifted from the main stage in the distance, drawing crowds consistently.
Some of the crowd at Archer’s Bay, St Lucy. (SM)
The Darryl Jordan Secondary School Steel Orchestra set the tone early, followed by spirited sets from top names in Bajan soca. The event, part of St Lucy’s contribution to the We Gatherin’ calendar, celebrated the themes of family and fellowship, bringing together people of all ages.
“This is what We Gatherin’ is about, bringing people together to celebrate family, community, and our shared heritage,” said Director of the We Gatherin’ 2025 Secretariat, Senator John King, in a quick chat with Barbados TODAY.
“If you were here three weeks ago, you’d hardly recognise this space—it was covered in bush, six and seven feet high. Thanks to the hard work of the parish committee and other teams, it’s been transformed into this beautiful gathering place.”
Member of Parliament for St Lucy, Peter Phillips, visibly proud of the day’s turnout, reflected on the history of Archer’s Bay as a cherished picnic site.
St Lucy MP Peter Phillips. (SM)
“Back in my childhood, Archer’s Bay, River Bay, and Hope Bay were the places to be,” he said. “Over time, everything shifted, and Archer’s Bay was left to the bush and monkeys. But when Prime Minister Mottley saw this spot in 2017, she said, ‘We have to do something with this, it’s too special to leave behind.’ Today, that vision is being fulfilled.”
Phillips was optimistic about the park’s future, noting plans to add facilities like bathrooms to make the area more accessible year-round.
“This isn’t just a one-off. We’re building something that all of Barbados can enjoy,” he said, noting his ambitions to transform the area into one of the island’s top parks. “Whether you’re from St Philip, Christ Church, or right here in St Lucy, we want this to be a place for families to gather, celebrate, and relax.”
Some of those soaking in the atmosphere described the event as more than just a celebration but a chance to reconnect with their roots.
Marlin Ward, a visitor from Toronto who grew up near Archer’s Bay, told Barbados TODAY she was pleased with the day’s proceedings and the overall direction of her hometown.
“This is where I spent my childhood,” she said. “Seeing it come alive again is incredible. St Lucy sometimes feels forgotten, but today shows its potential. If this is the start of more development, I’m all in.”
Marlin Ward and friend Anna. (SM)
Marlin noted that she had visited the area last November, recalling how overgrown it had been.
“We were hoping something would be done . . . It’s amazing to see the transformation,” she said, smiling as she enjoyed a dish of wings, pie, and chips with her sister and her friend Anna. shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb
The post Archer’s Bay comes alive for We Gatherin’ family fun day and picnic appeared first on Barbados Today.
