The legacy of one of Barbados’ theatre arts luminaries will live on at the Barbados Community College, thanks to a donation from the legendary Green Room Players theatre arts group, of which he was an integral part.

At the same time, the donation of two new classrooms, named in honour of the late Wendell T.D. Smith, will allow the students of the programme a much-needed space to house their classes.

Officially opened on October 31st, the classrooms feature custom lighting, furnishings, display monitors, and air conditioning to enable productive and comfortable lectures.

BCC Chairman, Dr. Allyson Leacock, thanked the Green Room Players for their generous donation and assured them that the classrooms would honour the memory of the late artist by inspiring future generations of performers.

“Your donation is more than a container; it is a classroom, a rehearsal room, it is a safe room. A place where young artists will stretch, question, and discover who they are.”

She stressed that when students are equipped with tools and mentorship, they become more than performers; they become thoughtful and intelligent citizens, referencing the Central Bank’s statements on the importance of the arts in stabilising economic growth.

Located at Morning Side on the Eyrie, Howells' Cross Road Campus, the containers were outfitted in collaboration with Container Services. Representatives from this local business were also in attendance at the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The donation supports the College's goal of expanding its diversity and course offerings, and helps provide a space for theatre arts students displaced by the ongoing construction of an expanded Performing Arts building.

“Thank you for being at the forefront of this initiative,” said Ms. Annette Alleyne, principal of the BCC. “The students who come to the BCC, who enrol in the Theatre Arts Program, will remember Green Room Players and Wendell T.D. Smith.”

Applauding the event’s organisers in running a punctual and poignant ceremony, she explained that the BCC will continue celebrating the legacy of the Green Room Players because of their charitable donations which enables the College to continue to excel.

The new classrooms are already in operation, with staff anticipating their success in producing an engaged and enthusiastic cohort of students.