NCF chief urges peaceful Kadooment revelry

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has issued a plea for peaceful celebrations during this year’s Grand Kadooment that will cap Crop Over’s 50th anniversary, as organisers prioritise safety and order for the highly anticipated event.

Speaking at the parade’s official media launch at Pelican Craft Village on Thursday, NCF Chief Executive Officer Carol Roberts emphasised the importance of respectful participation in the festivities.

“Let’s party in peace this Crop Over,” she said. “We’ve done it before and we can do it again. Let’s see the bands on the road and enjoy the spectacle, the colour, and the creativity without jumping in and trying to be a part of what you have not paid for.”

Roberts specifically addressed potential spectators: “Please, I encourage you to support the efforts of the bands in a sideline way by lining the route on Kadooment Day, enjoying yourself, enjoying the spectacle without breaking into the bands.”

Her call was echoed by Jason Thompson, president of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM), who urged increased support from law enforcement to maintain order during the celebrations.

“I want them to be there to reprimand persons who choose to break that peace,” Thompson said. “Persons pay their hard-earned money to participate in a paid band to display their splendour within the costumes, and it’s unfair for persons to think that they are entitled to bore the bands and go under the ropes to make those persons uncomfortable who would have paid that money.”

Bandleaders have taken proactive measures to enhance security for their patrons, he said. “Our security is on point; we will have rope holders, yes that would create the barrier, but we also have internal snatch teams,” he explained. “We would also hire private security, [plain clothed] security, persons who can carry weapons and so on inside of the bands to help.”

Despite these precautions, Thompson stressed the need for additional support from authorities. “But still, there are certain persons that would only listen to the law where they know that they can be charged for whatever, and we need that support still,” he added.

Notwithstanding the focus on security, the bandleaders’ spokesman expressed enthusiasm for the August 5 jump-up to climax the festival.

“We are excited; a little nervous, new route, new logistics at the beginning, [but] we want to make it as smooth and seamless as possible to ensure that our masqueraders have a really good time,” he said.

Thompson also highlighted efforts to boost resident Barbadians’ participation in the festivities.

“For many years we have recognised that locals on the road have decreased, and it’s our mission and mantra to try to get the locals back on the road,” he stated. “We have the overseas participation that is constantly coming, but we really need get our Barbadians back on the road and participating.”