Culture Minister Stephen Lashley (second left) and Vice President of Credit Consolidated Finance Frances Parravicino (centre) reveal the Festival Designer of the Year license plate on the grand prize of the Mazda 2 while (extreme left) Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Cranston Browne, MQI Sales & Marketing manager Margaret Hoyte (second from right) and President of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders Chetwyn Stewart (extreme right) look on.
THE perennial call for the winning festival bandleader to receive a grand prize of a new vehicle has become a reality.
Yesterday it was announced that the Festival Designer of the Year, having participated in both the Junior and Grand Kadooment competitions, will drive off with a brand new 1600 cc Mazda 2 with a value of $68 000.
One of the sponsors of the vehicle from Consolidated Finance, Vice President of Credit Frances Parravicino recalled that it was a dream of her niece the late Rene Ratcliffe, who made a case for greater incentive for bandleaders, given their continued commitment to the festival and recognising that without costume design there would be no splendour of masquerade. She noted that her niece, who tragically passed away last year on Grand Kadooment Day, would have been happy to see her dream come true, but mused that she would have been also upset that she is no longer here to compete for the grand prize.
Sales & Marketing Manager McEnearney Quality Inc (MQI) Margaret Hoyte said MQI is pleased to join with Consolidated Finance to offer the fully loaded, fuel efficient vehicle with the new SkyActiv engine body. She assured that the vehicle will be on display at Junior and Grand Kadooment.
Culture Minister Stephen Lashley noted that this year the masqueraders will have an even greater reason to smile as he thanked the sponsors for what he described as a signal tribute to the artistry and commitment of band leaders who consistently bring colour and pomp to the national festival.
“Our festival remains one of the major attractions for persons all over the world, between the months of June and August. Crop Over remains perhaps one of the longest celebrations of its kind in the world. It has brought significant injection of economic activity to Barbados.”
However he stressed that this gesture is an opportunity to say to masqueraders that their efforts, including long hours spent designing the most excellent costumes, is appreciated.
Minister Lashley also recognised the efforts of Ratcliffe, whom he described as a great stalwart of the festival. “She would have dedicated quite a bit of her time and energy over the years towards excelling in our festival. And I hope that the rich tradition of masquerade to reach the highest height of excellence continues to be a part of our festival,” he said. (JH)