St James is known as one of the last remaining windows to the sea, and this year’s parish ambassadors are proud to be part of one of the parishes which boast of this.
Zuwena Perry, 24, and 19-year-old Ade ONeal consider themselves fortunate to have been given the opportunity to represent their home parish in this year’s Parish Ambassadors programme. Even of more significance to them is the fact that this programme was started by the St James Parish Independence Committee 18 years ago.
Perry, who teaches at A Ganar Barbados, is also a tour guide with the #1 Bajan Bus, while O’Neal, who refers to himself as the more fun-loving ambassador [of the two], is a student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), studying banking and finance. Outside of UWI, he serves as the opposition leader of the Youth Parliament.
How they both got around to answering the call from the Community Independence Secretariat (CIS) back in February was really by chance.
“I was very hesitant about joining because I don’t do pageants. But after talking to someone else at the ministry [of Culture] and the programme was explained in detail, I decided to sign up as I was drawn by the community project,” recalled O’Neal.
Perry, on the other hand, “was encouraged to fill out the application by a friend. I initially thought the project would be mine. As a youth leader I saw it as an avenue to further work with the youths. I applied and I realised it’s not my project but a community project.
“I did not realise being a parish ambassador entailed all this as what I had heard in the past was just about the Spirit Of The Nation show, so it was interesting to see that it is a process which starts from February and takes you through to November. And by then you are happy to see November because it shows all your hard work,” she added, laughing heartily.
This year the chosen theme for the St James parish ambassadors is community-based tourism and so, with the help of both the CIS and residents within the community, they created the Rich project. Rich is an acronym which means the resourcefulness, integrity, creativity and heart of all the St James residents.
“The idea for the parish project came after we had a community meeting along with some direction from the CIS. We wanted the members of the community to be involved so we found a way to include them and make it their project as opposed to our project,” explained O’Neal.
Beside the community project, they have both particiapted in and led community events, fisherfolk activities and karaoke in Weston: “We also visited the schools and as parish ambassadors we try to foster community spirit, so we try to get members within the community together,” said Perry. “We attended a karaoke session as well and let’s just say we’re thankful the pictures taken that night don’t come with sound,” she added, giving O’Neal a side glance as he laughed and shook his head in agreement.
“The term parish ambassador means you are representing a parish, so we have been very much involved within the community, had a lot of community walk-throughs and the encouragement we get from the residents has been great,” said O’Neal.
“The support from the members within the community has been overwhelming. You wouldn’t think that people would come out and attend these types of events. Our biggest event has been our culture fun day held right here in Weston . . . . It saw our biggest turnout to date,” said Perry in agreement..
The duo organised a beach clean up in Cardinal Pond, affectionately known as Carew’s Pond, removing about ten truckloads of debris with help from Scouts, the Key Club and people from within the community. Black Bess Quarries sponsored the trucks that removed the garbage.
Asked how confident they felt going into the final segment of the show, slated for November 21, O’Neal stated: “Hands down we know we are going to win. If it’s based on the parish project alone, we know we have it. We have created a tourist destination right here in our backyard at the Cardinal Pond.
“It is not completed, as we are waiting on NCC [National Conservation Commission], but we plan to landscape the area and install benches where people can come and sit and watch the ducks and the sunset on the West Coast in addition to experiencing the famous John Moore bar.”
“On the night of the presentation, just look for a rich night. Our presentation relates to our theme for the year. That’s all we can offer for now. But we are prepared to take the audience on the journey of St James. It is the place that started it all with the first settlers to the island, and it is the place where the crown will return this year,” added Perry.
Before they left to mingle with residents, Perry gave these parting words of wisdom. “When you choose the path of the parish ambassador be dedicated to it. When you come in and see how many people within the community need a voice, take it seriously. It is a very rewarding job as you personally grow throughout the journey.”
“And be genuine. Have a vested interest in community work – it’s much more than the pageantry. Be seen in the community doing what is required of you . . . .You won’t regret it,” quipped O’Neal.
