People's Liberation Army Military Band performs, provides training in Barbados

Project narrative

From August 5 to 18, 2012, twenty members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Military Band visited Barbados on invitation from the Barbados Defense Force to conduct various performances, engage in business exchanges, and provide training. The visit was part of the celebrations for the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Barbados, and it was intended to promote cultural exchange and facilitate further friendly relations between the two countries. Throughout the visit, the Chinese band conducted training for the Barbados Defense Force Military Band, the Royal Barbados Police Band, and the Barbados Cadet Corps Band (a program under the Barbados Defense Force for Barbadian youth, age 13-20). They also performed twice for summer camps for Barbadian students on unspecified dates. Information for specific performances is as follows: On August 12, the band held a performance for overseas Chinese citizens residing in Barbados. Over 100 people attended the event. On August 15, the band performed at Frank Collymore Hall in Bridgetown for a crowd of about 500 people. Members of both the Barbadian government and the general public were in attendance. The band performed some pop songs independently and other pieces in collaboration with the Barbados Defense Force Military Band and the Royal Barbados Police Band. The event was hosted by the Barbados Ministry of Culture and Chinese Embassy. On August 16, the band attended and performed at the Barbados Defense Force's Army Day, playing both Barbadian and Chinese songs. On August 17, in the evening, the band performed at the weekly Oistins Fish Fry on an open-air stage, reaching a few thousand people. This event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Barbados and the Barbados Ministry of Culture.