Keeping to the beat
When they’re not playing for royalty, entertaining the public or hard at work practicing, the Barbados police band are out on a beat of a different sort.
All 46 members of The Royal Barbados Police Force Band are serving officers who help their colleagues “serve, protect and reassure” islanders and visitors.
Arresting rhythms
The most requested songs for these world famous musicians are Caribbean rhythms, including spouge, calypso, and reggae. They'll be playing just down the road from Coconut Court at Hastings bandstand on Saturday, March 21.
Over 130 years, they have established a world-wide reputation for the quality of their music. The original band, formed in 1889 from 19 serving police officers, wore regulation police uniforms and were selected for their “love of music and knowledge of the art”.
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Today, they look resplendent in white uniforms and gold braid. Most of the musicians join with an extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of music, while some get training to meet the standards and become an active member of the band.
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No charge
Hastings bandstand is just a step or two along the boardwalk from Coconut Court. The performances attract tourists and locals alike.
Sgt Gennine Julien, the band’s spokeswoman, told Coconut Corner: “Our number one secret is our great leadership and camaraderie.”
The biggest recent event was a performance in front of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, (or just plain Harry as he will soon be known) during his official visit in 2016.
And the great thing is the March 21 performance, from 4pm until 6pm, is free: there’s no charge!
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