THE FISHERFOLK of the Berinda Cox Fish Market in Oistins yesterday put away their knives, aprons, and money to have some fun and frolic through a float parade. The Jo-anne Jones Float Parade, which had 80 participants, has been going on for the last five years. It was put on in conjunction with yesterday’s islandwide Fisherman’s Day activities. Fisherfolk, their families and friends ignited the Christ Church area with their colourful costumes and dance moves.The festive activity, which started at the Harvestmart Complex and moved straight down to Supercentre and back up to the fish market, was viewed by employees of businesses in that vicinity through windows and over crowded doors. Drivers and passengers of public and private transportation also got a taste of the action as they slowly drove past.Where the members of Barbados’ fishing community came from was not forgotten. They brought elements of their trade on the road for all to see. One of the memorable moments of the parade was when “nurses” tried to stabilise a “patient” who was overwhelmed by the sounds and lyrics of the local music that was being played. After being treated with a drink of water, the patient calmed down for approximately five seconds and then she was rocking from side to side again. Her situation was clearly humour for the crowd and produced uproarious laughter.In child’s honourKemar Harris, floor member of the Oistins Users Committee, which was responsible for planning the event, told the MIDWEEK NATION that the parade honoured seven-year-old Aliah Taylor, whose body was retrieved from the sea at Enterprise, Christ Church, in March this year. He said that the parade climaxed the fish market’s week of activities, which began on June 20 with a church service. The minister of Transport and Works John Boyce was on the road capturing some of the precious moments on camera. The minister, who is the representative for the Christ Church South constituency, said: “The most important thing to me is that the people enjoy themselves. I look forward to continuing to be able to offer this help.”After the parade, the fisherfolk thanked their loyal customers by giving them free food and fellowship.
