Executive director of Barbados Gospel Fest, Adrian Agard, has raised concern about rising crime and what he described as a lack of corporate support for gospel initiatives, calling on commercial banks and other major businesses to rethink their position.
Speaking yesterday at the media launch of Gospel Fest 2026, Agard linked the social challenges facing Barbados to what he sees as a weakening of spiritual foundations, while also expressing frustration that some corporate entities have declined to sponsor gospel events.
“At this moment, the call is pretty simple, people don’t like to hear you say it, but there is a need to return to God,” he said, referencing recent violence in communities, including the shooting in Thunderbay, St James, where three men were killed.
“I reflect on my own upbringing just about half a mile from there and I cannot help but feel that something is missing in our young people today – that kind of guidance, that kind of covering.”
Agard said Gospel Fest has had to rely heavily on committed partners and the faith community, despite its national impact over more than three decades.
“We cannot be upset when commercial banks or fuel companies respond to our request for partnership by saying they do not support religious activities or politics, but I am saying that must change,” he said. “We have demonstrated commitment for the past 32 years and we continue to welcome corporate Barbados, but we are also calling on the people of God to support this festival not just in attendance, but financially.”
Gospel Fest, now in its 33rd year, will run from May 24 to 31 under the theme Honouring Legacy, Inspiring the Future, with a packed calendar of events aimed at celebrating gospel music, ministry and creative expression across Barbados.
Agard said the festival remains rooted in both culture and faith.
“The name Barbados Gospel Fest reveals both our identity and purpose. It is rooted in the island and its culture and it highlights a celebration centred on the message of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God,” he said.
The festival opens on Sunday, May 24 with a thanksgiving service at The Ark, Wildey, in collaboration with a network of churches, followed that evening by Raise a Song at the Christian Mission Gospel Tabernacle, a free legacy event designed to revive traditional expressions of worship.
Other major events include HymnSpeak, now celebrating 20 years, on May 26 at St Mary’s Anglican Church, and Legacy on the Bay on May 27 at Savvy on the Bay, which honours pioneers of gospel music while providing a platform for emerging talent.
On May 28, the festival turns its focus to youth development with Future Ready, targeting primary school students preparing to transition to secondary school. This is followed by Laughter and Jazz on May 29 at Savvy on the Bay, combining music, comedy and inspirational art.
Agard said special emphasis is also being placed on the creative industries this year, including visual arts and young musicians.
“We are making a deliberate effort to highlight the work of gospel artists across disciplines. There are gifted young people in Barbados who have trained, who are committed, but they are not getting the exposure. We have to take responsibility for promoting our own,” he said.
Activities continue on May 30 with the Signia Globe Artist Development Workshop at SkyMall, which is free to participants, before culminating that evening with Ultimate Gospel: A Taste of the Caribbean at Abundant Life Assembly, featuring regional and local performers.
The festival concludes on May 31 with One Awesome Day, the grand finale, which Agard confirmed will be free to the public this year.
“This is where our outreach to communities culminates and it will be an explosion of talent across dance, music and the arts. It is important that we remove barriers and allow people to come and experience it,” he said.
Agard also announced the continuation of the Salt and Light Initiative, encouraging Christians to actively engage others in their communities.
“We are reminding believers that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Pray for people, invite them, walk with them and bring them into these spaces where they can experience God,” he said.
He added that as Barbados prepares to celebrate 60 years of Independence, Gospel Fest remains a vital part of the island’s spiritual and cultural fabric.
