NCF says more that $1 million paid out on Republic activities and in COVID subsidies

Entertainers and artistes received a hefty payday in the lead up to Barbados’ transition to a Republic.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Carol Roberts-Reifer disclosed to Barbados TODAY that over $1 million was paid out during the week-long celebrations leading up to Independence Day last year.

With the Delta variant causing widespread havoc at the time, the majority of events were held in safe zones with only specially-invited guests in attendance.

Some of those events included the official opening of Golden Square on November 27, the National Service of Thanksgiving on November 28 at the Garfield Sobers Complex, and the ceremony for the installation of Barbados’ first President Dame Sandra Mason on November 29.

There was also a flotilla, a mural project, decorating competition as well as a roundabout and community decorative projects.

Roberts-Reifer maintained that the money was spent not just because of the historic occasion, but also to support persons in the sector who had been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said with events prohibited for a long time as part of the restrictions, Government and the NCF saw it as an opportunity to assist them.

“We have spent over $1 million with stakeholder groups for the celebration of Barbados’ transition to a Republic. Service providers got out licking…they did well,” Roberts-Reifer said.

“So whether it was the decorations of the roundabouts with the masqueraders, whether it was the murals project with the visual artists, whether it was the event on [November] 29th with a cast of over 300 that got paid; whether it was the reopening of Golden Square; whether it was the Independence honours; whether it was the flotilla, all of this activity was yes, to celebrate that historic occasion for Barbados but also to be able to support the sector and to be able to use the sector to generate economic activity.”

Additionally, Roberts-Reifer said persons in the sector also received close to a half-million dollars in support from Government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said this included monies that were paid in subsidies along with virtual events that were held.

“Without them having to ask, the NCF paid out $400 000 in subsidies to the sector; to bandleaders, to masqueraders and to event producers who were registered.

“We also did a series of virtual events hiring entertainers. We did three Police Band concerts, three UNCTAD concerts and all the rest. They were listened to and they were supported,” Roberts-Reifer said. randybennett@barbadostoday.bb