Chris Gibbs, one of the founding members of the iconic Barbadian group, The Merrymen, died on the 17th June 2025.
The group, formed in 1962, gained acclaim not only in Barbados but also worldwide, with hits such as "Archie," "Ring Ting Ting," "Nut Seller," and "Beautiful Barbados." Chris was the bass guitarist in the band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w78zC3G-1cY
He also made a name for himself as a very accomplished swimmer. Not only did he represent Barbados, but Chris also swam around the island in 2003 as part of a ten-man relay team.
That same year, at age 58, he made headlines when he swam the English Channel from England to France in 11 hours 30 minutes, finishing 1 mile east of Cap Gris Nez.
His son Barnie accompanied him on that trip. Chris stayed at Varne Ridge with Canadian swimmer Bryan Finlay. He arrived home to a hero’s welcome.
We send our condolences to his family and his brother Peter.
