Security was top of mind for the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce, and the top brass of the Barbados Police Service as they huddled in talks on Friday to ensure patrons can enjoy the rest of the Crop Over Festival incident-free.
Police said the talks centered on seven major events including the Folk Concert, the Republic Bank Pandemonium, Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Finals, Foreday Morning Jam, the Student Revolving Loan Fund and Sunshine Snacks People’s Choice Soca Concert, Grand Kadooment and Arts & Artisanal Pop-Up.
“Specific emphasis was placed on the Foreday Morning event and Kadooment route – the need to reassure the patrons and the general public of our policing of the route and their safety being our number one priority,” police said in a statement.
Chief Executive Officer of the NCF Carol Roberts-Reifer told Barbados TODAY the discussions were successful and again demonstrated the cordial working relationship between the Foundation and the Barbados Police Service.
NCF officials and the top brass of the Barbados Police Service in talks.
Praising the “critical thinking and guidance” offered by the law enforcers who interacted with key stakeholders, she assured that Barbadians can enjoy the upcoming events safely.
“I came out of that meeting – as a matter of fact, my entire team – very pleased that we have a plan that is realistic, that can be implemented seamlessly without coming across as draconian and autocratic, and that will take into consideration the safety and security of us all,” Roberts-Reifer said.
She added that it’s all systems go for the festival heading into the last lap.
The NCF CEO said stakeholders would return to the Grand Kadooment route one final time.
“We plan next week to go back once again and drive that route, walk that route, and make sure it works, and we are good to go,” she said.
