Live in Barbados

Barbados is 80-90 percent ready to stage the local leg of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Twenty20, West Indies, tournament.

Word of this has come from Events Coordinator and Acting President of the Barbados Cricket Association, Conde Riley. He was speaking Monday at a press briefing and unveiling ceremony at Kensington Oval, of the first of six bats to be placed at strategic locations around the island.

Caribbean Net News: Barbados getting ready for ICC Twenty20.

Breast Cancer Golf Event

Hi All,
I hope you are all aware by now that I have entered the RW Ladies Open in support of The Barbados Breast Scrteening Programme.

The tournament starts tomorrow, I will be dressed as above, and with legs and armpits waxed (DONE).

Please support this cause if you can (i know times are tough for everyone):

Breast Cancer affects 1 in 8 women in their lifetimes. Its the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer mortality.

Effective screening, and as a result early detection, increases survivability to 95%. So supporting the Barbados Screening Programme is a vitally important cause.

As a married man and a father and a son I wanted to support this cause in support of my female family members before the fact. Boys don’t be shy, get involved.

Any support you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Donations can be made to:

*’Barbados Cancer Society B.S.P’ * ( Last bit stands for Breast Screening Programme and its important otherwise chqs go into the general fund)

Facebook | Marcus Clarke playing in RW Ladies Open for Breast Screening Programme.

In extreme heat and humidity and racing right-handed on a baked turf course, Sterwins, under expert handling by champion jockey Patrick Husbands, swung wide into the homestretch of the 1 1/8-mile event. He was up in the final sixteenth to win by about half a length over Bribon, last year`s Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) winner.

Owned and bred by Melnyk, a Canadian pharmaceutical entrepreneur who lives in Barbados, Sterwins ran the distance in a scorching 1:48 4/5, just one-fifith off the course record.

via Melnyk Celebrates Sterwins’ Win in Gold Cup | BloodHorse.com.

Sandy Lane Gold Cup

Sandy Lane Gold Cup horse racing in Barbados – Telegraph.

Holder's Season 2010

Holder’s season 2010 schedule is online…

A boutique experience at one of the world’s most attractive ’boutique’ festivals – eight exquisite and varied events in The Little Theatre, Holders. All of the variety associated with Wendy Kidd’s renowned Season of performance in the grounds of Holders House – jazz, blues and classical music, theatre and comedy to die for…

Once again there would be something for everybody at the Holders Season, all of which will resound throughout the unbelievably beautiful and atmospheric grounds of Holders House. If you haven’t been before, give it a go. You will not regret it!

Holder’s Season 2010 – The Caribbean’s Leading Performing Arts Festival.

The very next day after Prince Harry played and won (with the help of his team) the inaugural Sentebale Polo Cup in Barbados, The Daily Mail published the following article:

Prince Harry falls head-first from his horse during charity polo match, and hurls his mallet in disgust

‘Everyone from our local supporters to the Barbados government have bent over backwards to make this work for Sentebale. People have dug so deep in their pockets.

‘It looks like we may have raised £500,000 for the vulnerable children of Lesotho, so I couldn’t be more pleased.

‘We are going to try to take the Sentebale Cup around the world but will definitely be coming back to Barbados as we have started it here and the island has such a special place in our hearts.’

Harry was playing at the exclusive Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados to raise money for Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in memory of his late mother to help vulnerable Aids orphans in the African kingdom of Lesotho.

The 1,200 ticket match was a complete sell out and is expected to raise more than £100,000. Harry hopes to make the Sentebale Polo Cup an annual event.

Source: The Daily Mail

I attended this event and spectated both matches.  The crowd was heaving, most people were in their sunday best, drinks were flowing and both matches were played extremely well by all players.  Here are a few pictures I took with my phone…

Most of Prince Harry, of course!

Around 6pm, as the sun was setting, the after party began with the arrival of a mechanical bull, which as you can imagine, was definitely a laugh to watch.  The guy operating the machine was definitely giving the old and young a hell of ride, with a couple of them flying off onto the inflated cushion surrounding it, so no one was hurt (at least to the best of my knowledge!)..

I left after 7 but I understand that the party went on for quite a few more hours.

Did any of you make this event?  If so, did you enjoy it?

Prince Harry trying out a little soca dancing at a charity event in Barbados…

Thanks Jill!

Prince Harry continues his tour of Barbados with a visit to a hospital to meet children on a paediatric ward and their parents.

The 25-year-old royal will spend time with the poorly youngsters as well as staff and volunteers from the Queen Elizabeth hospital in the capital Bridgetown.

The Press Association: Harry visits island’s sick children.

Today’s Access Barbados newsletter introduces the Barbados National Trust open house programme…

The National Trust’s Open House programme runs January through March 2010.

Every Wednesday a beautiful house in Barbados opens its doors to the public to view from 2.30pm to 5pm.

All types of houses are on show from the grand old plantation houses rich with centuries of history, to newer luxurious Bajan-Style villas.

Check out the February calendar;

Wednesday Feb 3rd 2010
BELLEVUE, Waterford, St Michael

The plantation dates from 1635 and commands a broad view down its manicured slope. This splendid property has been restored and renovated in a way that enhances its special character. Mosaics, converted outbuildings, horses and vast grounds complete the picture.

Wednesday Feb 10th 2010
POLLARD’S MILL, St. Philip

Pollards Mill combines the best of old and new. Built circa 1722, the spacious old stone property has had many lives: as a plantation, a hotel and a fine restaurant. The mill still stands, and the entire complex is surrounded by 2.5 acres of enclosed tropical garden.

Wednesday Feb 17th 2010
FISHERPOND PLANTATION HOUSE, St. Thomas

Fisherpond House is an over 300 year old mansion, built of rubble stone in Caribbean Georgian style, and has been transformed into a jewel, beautifully filled with antiques, paintings and objects d’art.

Wednesday Feb 24th 2010
ST. ANN’S FORT & DRILL HALL

Two of the Garrison’s Historic Military buildings are on show both occupied by The Barbados Defense Force. Built in 1702, the naval magazine displayed in the grounds is the finest known collection of 17th century English iron cannon. The Drill Hall hosts the West India Regiment memorabilia & offers a remarkable view of The Garrison area.

Admission & Directions

Admission prices for the Open House programme are $10 for National Trust members, $15 for BARP members and $20 for non members. For directions to the properties and any further information please email the National Trust.

As Haiti continues its recovery effort, The Crane is hosting a charitable Gala Soiree to support the relief efforts, on Saturday, February 6^th beginning at 7:00pm.

This formal evening will include a delectable gala dinner, premiere entertainment, and a silent auction to raise additional funds.  Silent auction items include Registry Collection hotel stays, airline tickets, rounds of golf, a spa day at Sandy Lane, and much more.

All proceeds will be donated to Haiti relief efforts through the Barbados national coordinated effort.

Tickets for the evening, including dinner, dancing entertainment, and all beverages, are $300 per person.

We invite you to support this worthy cause by purchasing a ticket for the evening.  To pre-book the event, kindly contact us at loveforhaiti@thecrane.com or contact the hotel at 246-423-6220.

We expect this to be a sold-out event so please contact us as soon as possible.

We thank you in advance for your support of this important fundraiser.