Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire, affectionately known as RPB, is a household name in Barbados and across the calypso world. But before the stages, the crowns, and the accolades, he was just a young boy growing up in the parish of St. Philip a place that deeply shaped the man he would become.
Raised in the fishing village of Bayfield, RPB’s childhood was steeped in the rhythms of community life and the calm of the countryside. At a time when houses were few and families were closely knit, he spent his weekends exploring the shores of Skeete’s Bay, a place he describes as the provider for the people in the area. It wasn’t just where fish were caught it was where memories were made. Children played cricket barefoot in the sand, teens learned to swim, and fishermen launched their boats in the early morning light. For RPB, Skeete’s Bay was more than a beach; it was the heart of the village and a symbol of shared identity.
The people of Bayfield and surrounding communities were heavily involved in the fishing industry, and RPB grew up seeing firsthand the hard work, resilience, and resourcefulness it took to sustain their families. Even as the fishing boats eventually disappeared, those lessons remained with him, deeply influencing his outlook on life and sense of purpose.
Beyond Skeete’s Bay, another cornerstone of his youth was King George V Memorial Park. He remembers running through the park as a child during community events and playing cricket with friends. The park served as a gathering space for St. Philip residents—a place where families came together for celebrations, sports, and shared moments that strengthened the bonds within the parish.
What sets St. Philip apart, according to RPB, is its unique spirit of unity. “They say we’re clannish,” he said, “but we’re even closer than that.” In his eyes, being a Philippean means more than simply being born in the parish it means looking out for each other, valuing community, and holding tightly to tradition.
Though his journey would take him to stages across the world, RPB never forgot his roots. The essence of Bayfield, Skeete’s Bay, and the wider St. Philip community lives in his music, his words, and his deep pride in the parish that raised him. For him, St. Philip isn’t just home it’s the foundation of everything he has become.
