No Power X Four

Another one of Barbados’ leading Grand Kadooment bands will not be on the road this year.

Power X Four announced on Wednesday, less than two weeks before the jump-up, that due to the unavailability of flights in and out of Trinidad, the band would be unable to get its costume parts and body paint artist team to Barbados, making it impossible for the band to return as planned for the first Crop Over since the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has given the assurance that all revellers who previously signed up for this year’s jump will be fully refunded, and the subvention given to assist with the delivery of the Kadooment band would be returned in full to the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).

“Our team has explored all options, including hiring a private plane and utilising multi-city flights; however, this operational expenditure heavily outweighs the business practicality to continue with our 2022 presentation,” Power X Four, which had intended to have 400 revellers on the road this year, disclosed in a press release.

The statement indicated that the decision to withdraw was not an easy one, especially with the immediate and overwhelming interest the band had received after announcing its 2022 return.

The announcement comes a month and a half after one of the island’s largest and most popular bands, Baje International, said it was pulling out because issues with suppliers left it unable to get the usual high-quality costumes for revellers.

Power X Four bandleader Chetwyn Stewart, who has been among those pushing to make Grand Kadooment a reality this year, encouraged Barbadians to support the August 1 jump up, despite the uncertainties and other bands not participating this year because of similar challenges.

He stressed that Power X Four unequivocally backed the event and would continue to actively advise, consult and mentor in any way possible.

“We want people to come out on the road and jump on Kadooment Day. I mean, the bands are not doing it to try to make money; everybody knows this year it will be difficult without the overseas people coming in great numbers. So the bands are doing it to keep the brand alive and for us to continue and stand a chance for next year. Actually, Power X Four has launched its team for next year, which is Dream Barbados On The Road.

“So we encourage everybody to come out on the road and find a band to jump with. Although we are not bringing a band we will be there with other bands having a good time,” Stewart said.

The band is promising to offer assistance to any disenfranchised revellers wishing to connect with other Kadooment bands.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb