T
his year’s staging of Junior Kadooment has received positive reviews from key stakeholders and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts is satisfied that some of the improvements worked for a smoother event.
While walking through the gardens, several vendors, parents, and spectators praised the changes made from last year, including a different set-up and route for the young revellers.
While noting the early reviews, Roberts howver, emphasized the importance of seeing the entire event through before celebrating.
“I wouldn’t say that until after the last child, the last junior reveller, the last leader, the last vendor, and of course my staff have reached it home safely, but I think that we’ve got several things right this year,” she told reporters, while acknowledging that there were minor hiccups.
.“There were issues; they always are when you’re dealing with numerous dynamics all moving along the same parallel, but I think this year we did a better job of ironing out the kinks as they occurred.”
She listed managing children, especially in the intense heat, and reassuring parents as some of the challenges but said the NCF put in much effort to address any issues.
“I think that we have scored relatively high this year, but that’s just from where I sit, watching the children parade, having a good time, checking in to make sure there are enough water stations, looking at the patrons.”
Roberts was pleased with this year’s layout, noting that it worked better for the children, bands and patrons
“The children actually feel as though they’re jumping along a route; it’s decorated as such; there is a clear demarcation via a very low stage as to where they start their choreographies; the space for patrons to watch the parade is also much better laid out and more expansive, so you know, the space for people to take up vantage points. Now if I could just control the heat, I’d be good.”
When asked for a review of this year’s festival so far from the official opening to the present, Roberts was again upbeat but made clear that the Foundation is listening to stakeholders regardless of their views.
“I think it has gone relatively well. I am not one to ignore negative comments and useful criticisms; we store them away, the ones that we can implement or manage immediately before the festival ends, and we take them on board.
“I think the festival is going relatively well, and I say that not only from the perspective of the events that we’ve produced but also from the hundreds upon hundreds of other events that private promoters and producers have produced,” she added, saying high-end events to grassroots community gatherings have been well staged.
“I think they’ve done a good job.”
Reifer acknowledged that one of the ongoing issues has been logistical challenges, particularly the rental of services and infrastructure and a notable shortage of skilled manpower this year.
“Tons and tons of events are not only stretching capital resources and assets, but also human resources, lighting technicians, and sound engineers.”
“The sector is now slowly but surely building back up its resources,” she explained. Shipping delays also continue to affect the timely acquisition of necessary items. Despite these hurdles, Roberts remains optimistic, saying , “Against that backdrop, I still think that we’re doing relatively well.” (RG)
