Culture leaders challenge Govt’s view of Crop Over success

The success of the Crop Over festival remains a key issue of debate as differing assessments emerge in the wake of its 50th anniversary.

Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for culture, Has praised this year’s festival, citing, citing large crowds, economic benefits, and a showcase of the island’s cultural heritage. But voices from within the cultural industry have raised significant concerns about the state of the industry and the metrics used to measure the event’s success.

During a panel discussion hosted by the Barbados Youth Development Council, Wednesday night, Dwayne Grazette, an artist development consultant and event specialist, offered a stark counterpoint to the government’s optimistic stance. “It was not what I expected and not what others expected,” Grazette said, highlighting a decline in band participation with many struggling to reach 100 members. “It really hurts me to see how our culture industry is going down.”

Grazette’s critique extended beyond attendance figures, pointing to what he perceives as systemic failures in nurturing local talent and cultural education. “We should be educating these children about our culture, and culture is not only about the jump-up, the music, whatever – culture is how we speak, the clothes we wear, our attitude – that is culture,” he argued, drawing comparisons to Trinidad and Tobago’s deep-rooted carnival traditions.

Rico Bradshaw, CEO of LR Entertainment, challenged the government’s assessment criteria: “You’re saying that it was a successful Crop Over. My thing is, what did we measure that on? Because I would have to see the statistics, I would have to see the results.” Bradshaw also questioned the level of support for diverse cultural expressions, recounting personal experiences as a ballroom and Latin dancer in genres not traditionally recognised as sports in Barbados.

He lamented the need for artists to leave the island to pursue their careers, a sentiment that underscores a recurring theme: the failure to create opportunities for homegrown talent to thrive at home.

Both panellists emphasised the need for sustainable opportunities rather than government handouts. Grazette highlighted the lack of professional development for artists, citing issues with stage presentation and image management. “They need an image consultant, these kinds of things, because then you see some of the artists on the stage, the pants drop down, the mirror, and the right clothes when they’re going on stage, and even for the camera,” he observed.

The debate underscores a broader concern about the trajectory of Barbados’ cultural industry, with the insiders calling for a more structured approach to artist development and a reevaluation of how cultural success is measured and supported. Grazette said: “All the government seems to want to do is give handouts … and not hand up, and not provide the opportunities for persons to make money after.” 

(RG)