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Cornelius Bartlett, Managing Director of Corbar Business Solutions Inc.

Taking a stand with ‘Family Fest’

The recent state of prominent criminal activity here on the island has not gone unnoticed by many leaders of faith based organisations. With the seemingly rampant display of delinquency amongst the youth, a moment of reckoning and a full national effort is desperately needed to curb the worrying trends.

It is because of this that Cornelius Bartlett, Managing Director of Corbar Business Solutions Inc., believes the time is ripe and ready for a national family event, dedicated to rebuilding, and strengthening the family structure on the island.

“Family Fest” is the working title for this new venture, and is intended to be an annual event involving persons from every parish on the island, working together in unison to help bring us back from the downward spiral of crime.

Bartlett, who is the sole brain so far behind this massive undertaking, held a presentation on Wednesday at the Blue Horizon hotel to pitch his idea to prospective committee members.

“[One] of the objectives, is to bring recognition to the fact that the family is in trouble. Not only in Barbados, but the family is in trouble all over the world. No matter your ethnic or social background, one thing that is common to all, is the erosion of the family. There is a real need to identify and treat the real issues that are currently affecting the family.”

Bartlett was also quick to point out this family event will not be his own event to push, instead, persons with different skill sets are greatly encouraged to sign up to this big event, and aid extensively in the planning stages.

“The skills and competencies that you all have, I do not have. This particular initiative cannot be localised to any one person, this initiative is one that will utilise the skills everyone [brings] to make it a reality”, he said.

Institutions such as faith organisations from all backgrounds, schools, governmental and non-governmental organisations are all encouraged to be a part of this massive undertaking, with each group being advised to bring all ideas forward so that Family Fest can not only be a success, but a reoccurring one.

“The vision I have for this event, is to involve every faith-based group and others. This will not only be for those who have not accepted Christ, because even they have families. God only knows what will happen if we remove the barriers of religion; this is a social and spiritual vision that will be all encompassing”, he added.

Though these are the early stages, its hoped that this event will be ready to launch early next year, with the month of May being earmarked for most of the events targeting the family such as discussions, church services and fun days. Events are set to span four weeks, with each week targeting different members of the family such as the father, mother, and children. Initial estimates for the total cost of this exercise have been said to be around $1 million dollars, however, Bartlett is confident that with corporate sponsorship and donations by other organisations, this amount will be easily reached.

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