A sight to behold! . . . Top talent on show at Floodlit Tattoo

What a spectacle it was for the hundreds who descended on Trents Playing Field, St James last Friday for the annual Chefette Floodlit Tattoo.

The showcase of talent and skills is one of the most patronised and anticipated events of the week-long Holetown Festival.

Dynasty Cheer Academy leaders did a delightful routine which featured somersaults, high-rise manoeuvres, high-energy drills and exciting moves. They were well-received by the huge crowd which lined the perimeter of the grounds.

But the night was all about the Royal Barbados Police Force. They were impressive in their display of the many divisions which were on show. That included: The Royal Barbados Police Force Band, The Mounted Division, The Canine Division, The Drill Squad and the Motorcycle Core.

The Drill Squad’s uniformity when marching and conducting other drills was pleasing to the eye. The Mounted Division’s task was a bit harder since they had three new horses under their command. They were not that compliant in the beginning, but the officers did an excellent job in getting them to take part in the events.

The Motorcycle Core performed a daring drill of precision riding. At times it looked as though they were going to crash into each other. But their timing and control of the machines must be commended.

But the most exciting presentation came from the Canine Unit. The first event, a race, was foiled by a false start by a dog called Scott. By the time the race had restarted, the mutts were running everywhere except to the finishing line. It was hilarious.

But the dogs’ real genius came out when “Gangsters” Bad Boy Rick and his son Tall Rick were caught breaking the law. The German Shepherds first got control of the “unruly crowd”. Finn, one of the dogs, caught a perpetrator with an illegal firearm and would not let go until given a command to do so.

Another criminal’s attempt to hide under a vehicle was to no avail.

Marco and Amor, the two more aggressive dogs, did not rest until they dragged the offender from under the vehicle. The dogs’ obedience to the officers’ commands was impressive.

The incomparable Royal Barbados Police Force Band closed the night. The Band played fine music as all those involved in the tattoo made their way around the playing field.

The event was witnessed by Acting Assistant Commissioners of Police Ian Branch and William Yearwood, who were the highest ranking officers present. (IMC)