Mixed reaction to Kadooment, Foreday morning changes

The announcement of the new Grand Kadooment and Foreday Morning routes has been met with mixed reactions from Barbadians, with some welcoming changes they believe are meant to keep patrons safe amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, some in the entertainment sector have told Barbados TODAY they are looking forward to being able to perform for crowds again.

Entertainer and businessman Kirk Browne said he was happy to see the sector rejuvenated and opportunities provided for creatives, even with decentralised jumps.

“I think we all need to learn to adjust and adapt because if you think about it, everything has changed. Three years ago, if someone told you when you go into the supermarkets that you have to take different routes, sanitise and wear a mask, you would tell them they’re crazy. Everyone was up in arms [with the changes] but now everyone has conformed and something has worked out for the better. I’m all for it,” he told Barbados TODAY.

“It’s better to have those options than to say ‘you know what? Having 10,000 people together is not feasible, let’s do nothing’. I’m the perennial optimist and everything will get better. So, even if we do it in phases we can look forward to other phases when it gets better. Now the [COVID-19] numbers are trending downwards we should embrace it while observing the protocols – the safer it gets the better it is.”

Entrepreneur and singer Faith Callender said she has no problem with the new routes and is eager to get back to doing what she loves – entertaining crowds.

“I’m looking forward to just getting back out and just being there with the people and releasing music and building that vibe. I’m looking forward to the parties and the limes and the good times that Crop Over brings,” she said.

Barbados TODAY also took to the streets to hear what Barbadians thought of the new routes that eliminate the traditional jump onto the Mighty Grynner Highway.

The two routes for the Kadooment Day jump-up are Warrens, St Michael to the National Botanical Gardens via the ABC Highway, and Windward Cricket Club, St Philip to Bushy Park via Lucas Street.

The Foreday Morning event has been divided into four jumps: Searles Plantation to Ball Park, Christ Church; in and around Bushy Park, St Philip; at the National Botanical Gardens, St Michael; and from Farley Hill, St Peter to Checker Hall, St Lucy.

Only established bands with a record of previous participation in the two events will be allowed to register.

One artisan along the south coast who gave his name only as Kirk, said he welcomed the changes.

“I am glad to see Crop Over. I love Crop Over and I love culture…. I think it is safe because [fewer] people are getting tested…. Everything is coming to a climax; I don’t see no reason why we shouldn’t have Crop Over,” he said.

Another fan of the festival, who requested anonymity, said it was the correct move by Government to stage Grand Kadooment, Foreday Morning and other parties safely.

“I’m glad it’s back after this two-year break. I believe it is a right move by the Government to have it in four different locations. Of cours you want to have fun but you still want to be safe, so I welcome that move.”

Another commentator added: “You can’t have everyone bundled up like before, so it would give everyone a chance that come next year we don’t have too much pressure on that day. The people on the east and on the west can all party and have a nice time.”

Members of the public also expressed their views on Barbados TODAY’s Facebook page.

Monty Cumberbatch said he did not support the changes which he said changed the festival.

“Make it make sense. You gonna take Foreday and Kadooment from a central location where everyone could have enjoyed it and moved it now where only a certain set of people can enjoy it, and to add insult to injury you have to pay your [hard] earned money get a mandatory test all for a shortened route to jump up on until they revert back to the original way? I do without Crop Over for two years, I can continue to do without it until it comes back to the real Crop Over,” he contended.

Ayanna Young-Marshall questioned why only established bands would be allowed to register for the new-look jump-up.

“This defeats the purpose of attracting more interest, participation and generating economic growth,” she said.

Also making his observations, Wayne P Hoyte said the routes for Grand Kadooment “don’t seem to include streets or roads with houses or shops where persons normally capitalise and/or benefit from such an event or activity”.

“The previous and regular routes offered persons along Station Hill, Bush Hall, Bank Hall, Eagle Hall, Black Rock, Deacons and Spring Garden the opportunity to make some extra cash on that day by selling various items from drinks, water, food, etc.,” he said.

“The routes proposed don’t have that residential profile that allows individuals and households or shops to have that business opportunity for the day.”
(MR)