Rise promising to be quite a spectacle

The stage is set for one of the largest post pandemic shows for 2022 in that of Rise Barbados.

During a recent media launch at Halo Ultra Lounge, St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church executive producers promised the show which is in its third year will be an even bigger and better experience.

The stellar cast this year will feature Problem Child, Skinny Fabulous, Kerwin Dubois and Grammy nominated artist Spice amongst others.

Executive Producer Orlando Newton said that even despite the COVID-19 restrictions they promise an amazing show.

“The team that is working for me has put on an awesome presentation. We have an elevated area that is about fourteen feet high, we have a cabana section and we also have the general section,” he informed.

Newton though made a call for something to be done about the tough mandates for the entertainment sector.

“We are the only industry that is being mandated to follow the nature of protocols  that are in place where patrons have to be tested or vaccinated in order to enter,” he explained.

“We feel it is quite unfair at this present moment for our industry – the entertainment industry which at this present time, the summer time is key for our distributors and our culture which we have already invested in and have waited for the last two and a half years to get back into,” Newton said calling for the Government to ease the protocols for the industry.

“This is a call not only for Rise but for you to take up the mantle that these are some of the issues we are facing within the industry,” he said, calling on the media to help out.

He explained the difficulties in getting sponsors on board.

“Sponsorship has been very difficult but we are asking anyone who can assist in making these projects successful [to join us] not only for Rise but for the entire industry. Don’t care how small it is that you can help –you can help,” he pleaded.

“The recovery of our economy is also tied to the recovery of the cultural and entertainment sector in Barbados and when I say that culture and entertainment is directly tied to tourism,” he added.

Meanwhile co-producer Shane Archer said that having Spice and other artistes would only serve to be beneficial to the tourism product of the island.

“Crop Over is our business, tourism is our business and culture is our business. I think that the implementation of having Spice can only promote our culture and Barbados and it can only be beneficial to our country,” he said.

Marketing and Public Relations Officer De Carla Applewhaite called Rise Barbados the biggest Crop Over summer event for the season.

Other artistes performing at Rise Barbados are MarzVille and Stiffy amongst others, Applewhaite informed Rise Barbados will be taking place at the Soca Arena which is located at the rear of Kensington Mall on July 27th. (MR)

Editor’s note: This interview was done before Government’s relaxing of the COVID-19 protocols.