The successful commencement of the 2022 Crop Over Festival over the weekend with the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, demonstrated Barbadians’ desire to be outside and free from two long years of pandemic restrictions.
The occasion of the 2022 Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes also exemplified the incredible efforts of the team at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) to deliver a thoughtful, well-choreographed and culturally-centred event.
The large number of families present, in fact, the demographic of attendees appeared to fall into a cross section of the Barbadian community, as well as visitors to the island.
The event not only demonstrated that Barbadians were eager to be “outside” but it also delivered on all the areas that the NCF widely promoted.
There was colour, dance, history, food, entertainment, demonstrations, history, spirituality, and importantly, there was honour given to ordinary Barbadians who have given their blood, sweat, and tears to a sugar industry that was punishing to their ancestors.
Such is the paradox of our history of sugar, slavery, colonialism and the economy.
The decision this year to honour not only the cane cutters but to throw national spotlight on the many contributors to the industry that for hundreds of years was economic anchor of this country, was a welcome move.
All this comes too at a time when government has made its intention clear to exit the sugar industry it has pumped hundreds of millions of dollars over several decades.
The honouring of Cordelia Applewhite, a general worker who is not ashamed of her humble background, was heartwarming.
The field worker and mother, who cherishes her independence, transformed into a beautiful, elegant, stylish example of Bajan womanhood on stage to accept her award.
Another woman who graced the stage on Saturday to be honoured was at the other end of the spectrum of the sugar industry.
A University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus graduate in Chemistry and Biology, Keriann Maynard-Browne stands out in the male dominated production portfolio at Portvale Sugar Factory. Maynard-Browne has certainly earned the respect of her colleagues.
Then there were awardees Irwin Malcolm Archer and 62-year-old David DaCosta. Two men of the land, each is justly proud of their combined achievements, noting the stability which the sugar industry has afforded them.
As we examine this first official event of the annual national festival, we must offer kudos to the team of arts and cultural professionals at the NCF, under the management of chief executive officer Mrs. Carol Roberts-Reifer.
The hiatus of the last two years was not lost on her team as they put all efforts into offering Barbadians and visitors a masterful production that was truly educational and inspiring.
The incorporation of a Vintage Calypso Tent into the opening gala was an important move. What it did was centre the calypsonians, musicians, producers, and writers in the spotlight, paying homage to their enormous contribution to distinguishing Crop Over from all the other carnivals held anywhere in the Caribbean or wherever the Caribbean/African diaspora is located.
Pulling together the parade from the new route starting at Rock Hall Freedom Village, St Thomas, was the Crop Over version of a TED Talk, providing information and an interactive history class on the go.
One of the most important aspects of the Crop Over 2022 launch was the level of respect Barbadians showed to each other, with most people voluntarily wearing masks at the outdoor event.
What it demonstrated was the high level of cautiousness with which Barbadians still view the COVID-19 pandemic.
They recognise that infections are occurring and the elderly within our population many of whom are unvaccinated remain vulnerable to the worst outcomes from exposure to the disease.
As much as they shouted their collective desire to be outside and enjoy social interactions the way they did prior to the pandemic and removal of mandatory mask-wearing in public, most have decided to play it safe.
This was a laudable example of maturity among many citizens. With another four weeks of festival activity to come, our hope is that the maturity displayed on Saturday will pervade all the other activities to provide a safe come-back for creatives in this country as well as patrons supporting the various events.
