St James North constituency witnessed a remarkable display of community spirit as MP Chad Blackman hosted his inaugural Christmas celebration, drawing over 500 children and their families to Gordon Greenidge Primary School grounds last Saturday. The festive gathering featured an array of entertainment, culinary treats, and gift distributions, creating a vibrant atmosphere of seasonal joy.
In exclusive remarks to Barbados Today, Blackman emphasized the event’s significance in fostering communal bonds during the holiday period. “Christmas represents a special opportunity to ensure the children of St James North experience genuine celebration within their own constituency,” the parliamentarian stated, noting the overwhelming response from families exceeded expectations.
The celebration transformed the school grounds into a wonderland of activities, with jumping tents captivating younger attendees and a performance artist creating balloon animals for delighted children. The event’s highlight featured acclaimed entertainer Tionne Hernandez delivering a live musical performance, enhancing the carnival-like ambiance.
Beyond immediate festivities, Blackman articulated the event’s broader purpose as a platform for local talent development. “Our constituency possesses extraordinary creative potential,” he observed, revealing plans to systematically showcase artistic talents through 2026 as part of a cultural development strategy.
The parliamentarian contextualized this initiative within Barbados’s wider cultural economy objectives, stressing the need for legislative support to enable creative professionals to monetize their skills. While marking his first Christmas event as elected representative, Blackman referenced previous community engagement during his senatorial tenure, noting significantly enhanced participation this year.
Looking toward future development, Blackman highlighted ongoing agricultural initiatives, particularly a cooperative program connecting local farmers with hospitality establishments along the West Coast tourism corridor. “Our fertile lands represent economic opportunity,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of linking local production with national economic channels.
The MP concluded by announcing forthcoming constituency engagements, including a January luncheon for senior citizens and a major community picnic, reinforcing his commitment to sustained community development through inclusive participation.