One Island concert for Barbuda

Errol Fabien, brainchild behind One Island - The Concert is very excited over the event that comes off on Republic Day, September 24, at the Queen’s Park Oval from 1 pm.

He said: “It promises to be a spectacular event as the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the region will come together to raise funds to rebuild Barbuda.”

Over 170 artistes will be performing soca, calypso, chutney, tassa, dancehall, reggae, comedy, theatre and much more.

Assisting Fabien in the presentation of this concert is No Laughing Matter, a group of conscientious and professional individuals within the theatre, arts, media, cultural ambassadors, business, and persons who have a passion for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

One Island will feature 12 continuous hours of performances in aid of hurricane relief efforts and the public is asked to support the effort by making a contribution at the entrance of the event of $50 together with three canned items (expiring not before 2018) or a case of water.

“We have a 40-foot container on site waiting, and it will be stuffed as items come in, and on Monday the container is going to leave the Oval and go to the port to go on its journey, said Fabien

He also expressed the wish to raise $1 million to assist in the rebuilding of Barbuda. “The impetus is for Barbuda because when we saw the other places that were affected by Hurricane Irma we knew they have help from some other countries because they are Dutch or French or English. But Barbuda have the Caricom. We are Barbuda’s big brother so we are seeing about them. Therefore One Island the Concert is reserved for Barbuda.”

Having all been evacuated from the island flattened by Hurricane Irma, Fabien said: “Barbudans are all living with families in Antigua. So that is why we need the help of people on the ground to get items to these specific people, hence the reason we are working with the HALO Foundation, an Antigua-based NGO. They have been doing work there for a long time just as Feel has been doing in TT.”

He then stated that Ambassador Gail Christian from Halo Foundation will be coming for the event while Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda has sent his appreciation and his love, and the people of Barbuda, their gratitude.

Among the artistes who have confirmed their attendance are Blaxx, Shurwayne Winchester, Teddyson John (St Lucia), 3canal, Vaughnette Bigford, Ziggy Rankin’, Ronnie Mc Intosh, Orlando Octave, Baron, Michelle Xavier, Isasha, Swappi (Grenada), Myron B, 5Star Akil, Kevon Carter, Johann Chukaree, Dane Gulstan, Denise Belfon, Pternsky, Jason Seecharan, Adesh Samaroo, Raymond Ramnarine, Neval Chatelal, Sharlene Flores, KV Charles, Oscar B, Christian Kalpee, Asten Isaac and Nadia La Fond.

Also listed to perform are Imij & Co, Los Alumnos, Malick Folk Performers & Wasafoli, Shiv Shakti Dancers, D C Shell Theatre - Bollywood Dance, Wendy Sheppard, Lujoe & Gifted, Freetown Collective, Militant, Rembunction, Chantwell, Prince of Theatre Darrion- spoken word, Ninja, Allan the Entertainer, Rodey, Hamidullah, Bon Bassa, Leandra & Tyler Head, Anuradha Hansraj and Nigel Rojas.

Then there are DJs Richard Simply Smooth, Joy Juice, Private Ryan, Guido La Fond and Mr Q, as well as Hans De Vignes (DJ & presenter) and Jase Vilain (presenter), Tommy Joseph, Michelle Borel, Judith Laird, Crazy Catholic, Errol Fabien, Cecilia Salazar, Penelope Spencer and George Gonzalez. Adrian Philbert, Stephen Marcelle, Blue, Jimmy October, Kaz, Jay Nahge, Snakey, Nex Chapta, Ras Commander, Uncle Timmy (Pedro Lezama), Wayne Dopson, Raymond Edwards, Derrick Seales, Spicey and Michael Nedd.

Fabien said they are also hoping that Allison Hinds and Rupee will be able to make it, but Bunji, Fay Ann and Machel, who will be out of the country, will send their special greetings.