Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Carol Roberts-Reifer is satisfied with how the 2022 Crop Over season has been shaping up and is encouraging Barbadians to enjoy the remaining events safely and peacefully.
Roberts-Reifer said with 11 days left before Grand Kadooment, which signals the climax of the season, the NCF is pleased and satisfied with the way how events have gone to date.
Noting that there is room for improvement, the CEO said the NCF is always exploring ways to improve the people’s festival which is being shared with the world, including working with stakeholder groups.
“We haven’t come here on our own. We have come here with all of the efforts of all of the stakeholder groups. All of the practitioners and participants in the festival, and all of our support services groups whether it be the Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Fire Service, the Department of Emergency Management, our healthcare providers, the Barbados Defence Force, the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and of course our sponsors without whom the festival just could not be possible,” she said.
Roberts-Reifer said that as happens every year, Barbadians can now begin to feel the tension picking up with good tension and nervous energy in the atmosphere. She said that while there are multiple events taking place at this time, persons have a choice to attend paid or free events including shop limes, backyard jams, or private all inclusive parties.
“So there is something for everyone. I see churches putting on events and community groups and neighbourhood groups. I see schools and clubs putting on events, there are cruises, all absolutely wonderful. The only thing we have to do now, individually to make it a collective effort, we have to be responsible,” she said.
Roberts-Reifer also issued the reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing and encouraged party-goers to follow the protocols to protect themselves and their families. She also made the call for persons attending events to maintain the peace.
“There are still times at which we need to wear our masks, never stop sanitizing, and never stop partying as much as possible in your bubbles and just look out for each other safely.
“Makes no sense leaving home with a weapon unless of course it’s a cup to put your ice in, and then a little libation and then you drink and drive responsibly as well. I am just hoping that for the remainder of the festival that we each see our individual responsibility to the festival and to our nation to just party in peace and party responsibly,” Roberts-Reifer said.
The remaining NCF Crop Over events for the season include Republic Bank Pandemonium will take place at the National Botanical Gardens on Sunday July 24, on Tuesday July 26 the Folk Concert will be held at the Golden Square Freedom Park in The City, while on Wednesday July 27 the Central Bank of Barbados Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition: Arts+Vibes will take place at the Queen’s Park Gallery.
All systems are ready for the Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Finals Competition to take place at Kensington Oval on Friday July 29, and that will be followed by the Foreday Morning Jam on July 30 2022. Grand Kadooment will be held on August 1.
