Kudos must be given to the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the ministry responsible for culture and the relevant private promoters, all of whom have been acting to make the 2018 Crop Over season a success so far.
When the long-awaited General Elections were called for May 24th this year, there may have been some apprehension at the proximity of that date to the start of the annual festival. This would have been exacerbated by the postponement of the official launch of Crop Over a week later, as the new Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports John King, having only been sworn in less than a week before, was unable to meet and discuss with the NCF the plans and preparations for the festival prior to the scheduled launch”.
Yet, despite a week’s delay, the traditionally scheduled events have all remained and the competitions are all still set, with artistes and bandleaders raring to go. For this the NCF must be commended. Though coming in for much criticism over the years, that organisation is the reliable machine that keeps the festival going despite setbacks. It is a well known fact that one of the things this country has fallen down on is the bureaucratic red tape that holds up processes, yet with less time in which to operate and despite a change in government, the NCF, along with officers at the Ministry of Culture, has kept things going.
Also to be commended are the private promoters who have continually hyped up the public with their weekly parties like BeerFest, Puff Of Colour and Soca On De Hill. Though not official Crop Over events, many of these have become annual must-see shows that have helped shape the Crop Over season. With the economy as burdened as it is presently, it must have been difficult to secure funding to facilitate the quality productions to which patrons have become accustomed. Yet, these promoters have committed themselves to making Crop Over a hit with locals and tourists alike.
Finally, kudos must be given to all those organisations that play a key role in making the festival successful. In addition to the NCF and the private promoters, the various sponsors must be commended for coming out in support of the festival and showing their love for our cultural industry by putting their money where it matters. Calypsonians and musicians must be thanked for creating the songs and performing throughout the season, keeping the pulse of the festival beating until the very end. Members of media must also be mentioned for their consistent push to keep Crop Over in focus these past months.
As excitement builds up over the next two weeks and revellers get closer to Foreday Morning and Grand Kadooment Day and the chance to show off their costumes and ‘jump up’ on the road, we ask that everyone do so safely. Some general guidelines include: avoid travelling alone, especially late at night, and leave expensive possessions at home when partying; refrain from publicising your whereabouts on social media; avoid conflict (both personally and location-wise); take care with what you consume and drink responsibly; and while having fun, make wise decisions always.
On a final note, congratulations to the two new ScotiaBank Junior Monarchs, Emari ‘Browne Star’ and Dequon ‘Quon’ Alleyne, and the International Bashment Soca Monarch Lil Rick.