Abed’s ready to meet Kadooment band needs

Barbados’s leading premier fabric and home textile company is ready to supply the needs of bands participating in the 2022 Kadooment Day and Foreday Morning jumps.

Following Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Dr Shantal Munro-Knight’s confirmation of a modified Crop Over this year, Managing Director of Abed’s, Eddy Abed told Barbados TODAY he has spoken to several band leaders who have expressed doubt about whether they will be on the road for the first Kadooment Day in two years, due to the difficulty in acquiring sponsorship at such late notice.

“The reality is that the lateness of the hour has put many of the revellers and the bandleaders in a position of uncertainty. Sponsors are not readily committed. So, it is very much a wait-and-see to which bands will participate. They are still uncertain as to whether they are going to participate, not only because of the change in route but also because of the money considerations.

“They need sponsorship, they need prize money and of course, they need the subvention from the NCF [National Cultural Foundation]. The subvention seems to be the only thing that they are sure about at this time,” Abed said.

This week, authorities announced that Kadooment bands will receive assistance to the tune of $10 000 and, for the first time, Foreday Morning bands will get $3 000.

However, Abed said his store has stock available for bands that are ready to begin putting costumes together, and indicated that more supply can be brought in if necessary.

“I have right now materials, sequins and many of the items the bands would need. And we do have a lot of fabric in place for the Foreday Morning jump up. We are prepared to supply the needs for any of the bands,” Abed said. (AH)