Welches Primary honours Richard Stoute

By Kimberley Cummins

Cultural icon Richard Stoute has been awarded for his contribution to music and sport.
The veteran entertainer recently took centre stage when he was celebrated and honoured during a virtual concert hosted by the Welches Primary School.

Stoute has been a staple in Barbados’ entertainment for well over half of a century. For some four decades, his eponymous Teen Talent contest has been a major launching pad for much of the local entertainment industry, including names like Adrian Clarke, Alison Hinds, Edwin Yearwood, Rupee, Nikita, Yahandje Daniel and the list goes on.
Former Party Monarch and Teen Talent alum Barry Chandler was among those that praised Stoute and even suggested that he saw him as a father figure.

Chandler described Stoute as a musical mentor but also talked about that mentorship extending into his life in general through much needed and appreciated advice. Chandler said that as an aspiring cricketer, Stoute, who is known as a major cricket enthusiast, would help him with his technique but would also give him bus fare to get to and from his matches and even provide him with other equipment he may need.

Former national cricketer and physical education teacher at Welches, Jason Parris, initiated the event and expressed the need to highlight and salute Stoute’s contribution to the country.

There were also tributes in song, including performances from participants of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent contest Daianna Price, Janisha Best, Rashida Codrington and Kayla Alleyne.

This musical treat was also represented through Welches Primary’s very own Brittney Haynes and Nyara Johnson. Johnson, a Class 2 pupil, gave an extremely brilliant rendition. (KC)