NCF, key stakeholders review Crop Over 2023

The logistics and set up of the 2023 Grand Kadooment and Junior Kadooment were among the topics discussed as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) met with key stakeholders yesterday to review Crop Over 2023 and begin discussions on Crop Over 2024.

Representatives from the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) and independent bandleaders were present for the meeting at the NCF’s West Terrace, St James, headquarters, which started at 10:00 a.m. and ended just after 3:00 p.m.

There, all parties were given the opportunity to critique Junior and Grand Kadooment, as well as offer initial recommendations on the way forward.

Other topics which were discussed include security and policing of bands, sunset legislation in 2024, greater prominence of local music being played by music trucks on the route on Grand Kadooment Day and identifying the cause of the growth in registered masqueraders this year, with a view of sustaining and increasing those numbers next year.

President of BAM, Jason Thompson, who is also Hijack’s bandleader, says the association was pleased with the outcome of the meeting. He says BAM was able to express many of the grievances of its members with the NCF surrounding the logistical and communication issues surrounding Crop Over 2023.

Meanwhile, NCF’s CEO Carol Roberts-Reifer who chaired the meeting said “the NCF is very pleased with the outcome of its initial meeting with the bandleaders today. I have every confidence that, together we can address the issues arising this year and move apace to crafting an improved event for all categories of participant next year. Indeed, we have met this week with other stakeholder groups in order to complete the planning and approval processes and launch Crop Over 2024 as early as reasonably possible”.

She emphasised the need for “all dialogue and recommendations to be conducted in a spirit of goodwill, with the primary focus being the wellbeing and sustainability of this festival of ours”.

A follow-up meeting will be held in September.

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