The Barbados Landship Association is embarking on an ambitious expansion and modernization strategy, planning to grow its school program from 16 to 25 units this year while aligning its mission with global development frameworks. Under President Colonel Wayne Worrell’s leadership, each landship unit will adopt specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, transforming the century-old cultural organization from primarily performance-based activities toward substantive social impact projects.
During the South-East Fleet’s quarterly service at St Bartholomew Church on Sunday, Worrell outlined the strategic pivot emphasizing that ‘It has to be more than just dance.’ Each unit will now address critical social challenges including crime reduction, poverty alleviation, and agricultural development. This new direction will be visually represented through color-coded uniform designs that reflect each ship’s designated mission.
The association also announced the summer launch of a landship marines unit specifically designed to increase male participation. This innovative program will feature structured, military-style performances using replica equipment, creating an appealing alternative for young boys less interested in traditional landship routines.
The service itself demonstrated the organization’s vibrant traditions, beginning with ceremonial bell ringing as members marched into the sanctuary accompanied by a combined band. Reverend Canon Wayne Isaacs’ sermon on ‘new life, new beginnings, and new possibilities’ set the tone for the day’s proceedings, which included the surprise promotion of Khloe Parker to sub-lieutenant. Admiral Lorraine Sealy and Captain Charles Sandiford formally elevated Parker from surgical nurse rank in recognition of her dedication, community outreach work, uniform production assistance, and emergent leadership qualities.
The cultural significance of the landship movement was celebrated through performances featuring legendary musician Desmond Weekes, one of the original Draytons, who performed a tribute to the tuk band tradition. Weekes acknowledged the landship’s profound influence on Barbados’ musical heritage, including the development of spouge music. The intergenerational nature of the organization was further highlighted through Maypole dance performances by students from Mount Tabor Primary and St George Secondary Schools following the senior members’ demonstration.
With the South-East Fleet currently comprising approximately 150 members under Admiral Sealy’s leadership—the association’s first female admiral—the organization is positioning itself as both a cultural guardian and progressive force for social development in Barbados.