The Sweet Fuh Days Marquee Event held on July 27 at King George V Memorial Park was more than just a celebration of music and food. It was a moment for reconnection, for pride, and for storytelling. For Quenton and Shamika Hinkson, a couple visiting from the United States, it was a deeply personal experience that affirmed their love for Barbados and its people.
Barbados was not chosen at random. It was a deliberate decision, made after weighing other options like Turks and Caicos. The pull of family connections, cultural pride, and the promise of something meaningful led the Hinksons to the shores of this island. “We have a family friend who lives in Barbados and invited us to come,” Shamika explained. “He told us about We Gatherin and everything happening in St. Philip. It just felt right. We wanted to be here.”
Outfitted in a striking purple ensemble that matched the event’s colour theme by pure coincidence, Shamika laughed as she recalled her love for the colour. “I had no idea purple was the colour for the forest, but I am obsessed with purple so it worked out beautifully.”
Quenton and Shamika quickly fell in love with the charm of Barbados. “The people, the community, the food everything has been amazing,” Shamika said with genuine warmth. “There is such a strong sense of belonging here. I told Mr. Wren that even though we’re from the U.S., it feels like we know everyone here already. It’s like coming home to people you’ve never met.”
Food played a big role in their Barbados experience. Shamika was especially delighted to try flying fish for the first time, while her husband Quenton went bold and sampled barracuda. But it was the red snapper that stole Shamika’s heart. “I’ve had red snapper before, but never like this. It was the best I’ve ever tasted.”
Their favourite memory so far? Without hesitation, Shamika declared, “Oistins on a Friday night. I’ve travelled to many islands St. Thomas, St. John, Jamaica but Oistins tops everything. The music, the vibe, the people. It was unforgettable.”
For the Hinksons, We Gatherin was not just another event on a travel itinerary. It was a moment to witness the cultural heartbeat of Barbados. “We heard that it was a community-based, family-oriented festival. That’s what drew us to it,” said Quenton. “It’s important for people to come together like this, to celebrate who they are and where they’re from. We Gatherin is about more than fun. It’s about pride and unity.”
They were all smiles as they joined the crowd chanting, “We Gatherin in St. Philip. This is where it’s at. Be there or be square.” It was a proud, joy-filled moment that captured everything the Hinksons came looking for.
As their vacation nears its end, the couple is already planning their return. “We hate that we have to leave in a few days, but we’ll be back,” Shamika promised.
For Quenton and Shamika Hinkson, Barbados has offered more than a vacation. It has given them connection, memories, and a renewed sense of belonging. Their story is a shining example of what We Gatherin is all about welcoming those near and far into the warmth of Barbadian culture and community.
