Although there were challenges with Flow Grand Kadooment, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), police and some bandleaders are thrilled with the outcome of Monday’s official Crop Over climax, especially the new route.
“The comments have generally been very congratulatory about the new route. The selection of this route was a recommendation of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders, so kudos to Jason Thompson and his team for putting in the advanced work,” NCF chief executive officer Carol Roberts told the MIDWEEK NATION.
The parade began from the Helipad in Bridgetown and proceeded along Princess Alice Highway, Prescod Boulevard, President Kennedy Drive, Eagle Hall, Black Rock Main Road to the Frank Worrell Roundabout and down the Might Grynner Highway to end off outside Kensington Oval
“We made two tweaks and I am pleased with the comments. There is always reason to go back and look but today we can look around with a sense of satisfaction that we pulled off what we said we wanted to,” Roberts said.
“I know there will be some future discussions about the interactions between the spectators and the revellers and we will go back and look at it. However, it was a joy to see revellers on the road and doing so peacefully for the most part.”
She thanked the Barbados Police Service, Barbados Defence Force, other members of the protective services and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) as well as masqueraders and patrons who helped to ensure there were no major violent incidents.
“The DEM and the protective services were in their numbers. I have to applaud them because these are the same people who got us through World Cup safely without incident and they brought us through Crop Over without incident,” the CEO said.
Commissioner of Police, Richard Boyce said there were no reports of major incidents throughout the
festival, and thanked the public for helping to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. “We as a country, on the whole, should congratulate ourselves in hosting such an event bearing in mind that we had a number of visitors who came in to attend the festival,” he said, adding that this year was by far better than the jump-up in 2023 when there was a major shooting incident.
Roberts said the presence of Barbados’ National Hero and global superstar, The Right Excellent Robyn Rihanna Fenty, who jumped with Aura Experience, was a plus for the festival.
Local music
She added that from her vantage points, more new local music was played on the road, which could be a catalyst to the future successes of Barbadian artistes.
“It means that the work and the monetary investment poured into the music of the artistes are helping them with their production. Carrying them overseas to perform on other stages is encouraging them to up the ante and it has begun to pay off,” she said.
Overall, Roberts said Crop Over 2024 was a success.
