Good Mornin' BARP

Early risers who switched on their TVs may have seen BARP members Maria Asgill and Tony Lawless appearing on CBC Channel 8's "Mornin' Barbados" on Thursday September 9th 2007.  On Wednesday  26th September, one of BARP's public relations officers Michael Goodman appeared with Gordon Cummins Principal Nursing Officer, Shirley Bourne.  All were helping to promote "Senior's Month" which ran throughout September.   

The BARP 'guests' variously talked with Mornin' Barbados host Belle Holder about BARP and the role it plays in improving the lives of senior citizens in Barbados.  The tremendous contribution of its many volunteers, and the wide range of community services provided by the Association were also discussed.  Tony Lawless drew attention to the wealth of wisdom and experience which exists within the membership and upon which BARP is privileged to be able to draw.  He also described some of the work done by BARP volunteers at the various hospitals and nursing homes throughout the island.  Maria Asgill told interviewer Belle Holder that she had been a member of BARP almost since it began nearly twelve years ago, and talked knowledgeably about the main aims of the Association and the benefits of membership.  She also took the opportunity to promote some of the Association's upcoming events and gave information about how to become a member.

The appearance by Michael Goodman and Shirley Bourne was intended to highlight the work that BARP volunteers do at the Gordon Cummins Hospital in St. Thomas and the concert they helped organise for the residents of that institution on Saturday September 22nd 2007. Principal Nursing Officer at the hospital, Shirley Bourne expressed her gratitude for all the work done by the BARP volunteers at Gordon Cummins and described the importance of doing everything possible to give back to the elderly patients some of their lost dignity and independence. Michael Goodman echoed her sentiments and added that BARP volunteers are actively pursuing that goal in a number of the other hospitals and nursing homes around the island.

A special feature on the Gordon Cummins concert was also shown on Mornin' Barbados on Thursday September 27th 2007.