PRESS RELEASE — The Royal St. Lucia Police Force Band (RSLPFB) participated in the inaugural St. Cecilia Military Tattoo, themed “Vision” in Barbados, October 21 to 27 2019 to celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the Royal Barbados Police Force Band.
The tattoo was originally a form of military music, but the practice has evolved into a military performance of music or display of armed forces in general and even more elaborate shows involving theatrics.
The celebration of music, dance and military pageantry also featured the Band and Drill Squad of the Royal Barbados Police Force; The Zouave Band of the Barbados Defense Force; The Band of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service along with The Barbados Landship Association and Dancin’ Africa from Barbados. The event was held at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium (“Wildey Gym”) within the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex which was almost full to its capacity to accommodate close to 5,000 people. The two visiting bands were natural additions to the Barbadian (Bajan) milestone celebration because of the service rendered to both regiments by renowned Bajan musician Mr. Joseph Nathaniel Griffith who was instrumental in composing The Royal St. Lucia Police Force Band and was a leading pioneer in the music sector in Trinidad and Tobago.
Alongside The Band of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, The Royal St. Lucia Police Force Band teased the Bajan community with a little of what was to be expected at the main event on Saturday October 26th with a free community concert at Independence Square in the capital Bridgetown.
The Royal St. Lucia Police Force Band made its entrance on the floor at the inaugural event to Beautiful Isle by local composer Ms. Joyce Auguste and arranged by former Director of Music of the Band, Mr. Carlos Mynns. In keeping with their proud history and pivotal role in preserving traditional music, the illustrious band performed the Saint Lucian folk song Luminez arranged by former long-serving band member Mr. Gregory Piper.
The crowd was moved to a rousing rendition of popular Saint Lucian soca artist Teddyson John’s Vent (Parlez, Parlez, Parlez) and thrilled with excitement by the rhythmic gyrations of drum major Gideon Desir. As a salute to the mostly Bajan crowd, an excerpt of the Barbadian National Anthem arranged by the current Director of Music, Mr. Timothy Mondesir was a prelude to a set of the hit songs Jack and Dr. Cassandra by their very own The Mighty Gabby.
The drill displays produced by band member Corporal Francis Delice ensured the marches were delivered with the precision and flare for which the band has become acclaimed. Every performance of the band was received with huge plaudits from the Barbadian audience containing nationals from countries across the Caribbean region.
The grand finale was a march of a cast of close to 140 musicians from all four participating military bands filling the gymnasium with the stirring sound of excellent musicianship.
Visit our Facebook page at RSLPF POLICE BAND, to view video clips and pictures of the performances of The Royal St. Lucia Police Force Band at the community concert and main event of the inaugural St. Cecilia Military Tattoo held in Barbados and don’t forget to like the page!