DIGICEL CEREMONIAL DELIVERY OF THE LAST CANES
& VINTAGE TENT
OFFICIAL CEREMONY
SUGAR: REIMAGINED
Haymans Sugar Factory, St Peter
Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 4 p.m.
MC NOTES
The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister;
Minister of Culture; Dr. The Hon. Shantal Munro –
Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and
other members of Cabinet;
Members of the Senate;
Members of Parliament;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Dr. Jasmine Babb, Chairman of the Board of
Management of the NCF and Board Directors;
Senior Government Officials;
Ms. Carol Roberts, CEO of the NCF;
Gracious Sponsors;
Specially invited guests;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Welcome to the launch of Crop Over 2023 – The Digicel Ceremonial Delivery
of the Last Canes & Vintage Calypso Tent, themed Sugar Reimagined. My
name is Antwoine Williams and I am your Master of Ceremony this evening.
** Before we go any further we would like to observe a moment of silence
in tribute to the life, times and legacy of former Prime Minister Sir Lloyd
Erskine Sandiford..
We are here at Haymans Sugar Factory to celebrate the official start of the
Barbados Crop Over Festival. This event always gives us an opportunity to
explore our heritage, traditions and the origins of this festival, paired with
celebrations in the present, while offering a glimpse of our evolving culture.
At this historic and transformed site, you will experience the music, food,
dance, history, folklore, while we show our appreciation to those who have
laboured in this sugar industry and contributed their talents to the Crop Over Festival.
This year’s event is sponsored by Digicel Barbados. Remember Digicel is
giving customers MORE! MORE DATA! MORE VALUE! and MORE VIBES! for
the Crop Over Season.
Also supporting to this event are Associate Sponsors:
- Sunshine Snacks – The Snack of Crop Over
- Dasani – The Water of the Festival
- Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP)
- The Student Revolving Loan Fund
- Barbados Light & Power Ltd.
Other sponsors are: - Accra Beach Hotel & Spa
- Purity Bakeries
- Glacial Ice
Give all of these sponsors a round of applause for supporting culture!
MC: We start this evening with a procession featuring Bajan cultural
characters, elements of Bajan pastime and groups that showcase the
The Procession:
- Zouave Band
Zouave Band is the musical component of the Barbados Defence Force. The history of the Barbados Defence Force band can be traced to the West India Regiment era. When the West India Regiment was disbanded in 1927, the Band and Drums were retained and provided the foundation for the evolution of military bands in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica and Barbados.
The uniform was first paraded in Barbados in 1858 and subsequently adopted by the Band and Drums of the Barbados Regiment and the Barbados Defence Force Band as a symbolic link with the old West India Regiment. - Dray Cart & Entourage
The dray-cart was usually attached to a donkey or mule and used to transport the cane cut by workers back into the mill-yard of the plantation. On the day of the Crop Over celebrations dray carts and the animals were dressed up with pretty flowers and the workers came out to sing, dance and make merry.
The procession of carts bringing in the last load of canes signaled the
beginning of the festivities in the millyard. Canes were also tied with colourful strips of cloths with one cart carrying an effigy of “Mr Harding”, who symbolised hard times and cruel oppressive masters.
Today the NCF continues this centuries old plantation ritual with the
Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, which officially starts today’s Crop Over celebrations. This Dray Cart you see here today was designed by Anthony Layne. He was ably assisted by Jason Drakes, Trevor Nicholls and Sharine Absalom. - Sugar Dancers
Sugar made us free! Look at how those sugar workers are moving. They surely are acting carefree. - Sons of God Apostolic Church
The 1950s can be considered an awakening period for African perspectives of Christianity with the establishment of the Sons of God Apostolic Spiritual Baptist Church by the late Reverend Granville Williams.
The African consciousness transcend their biblical preaching and worship sessions. It is evident in their community centred lifestyle, their group activities, their practice of cooperative economics, establishment, and support of Black entrepreneurship. This can also be seen in the founding of the popular Coucou Village, bar and cook-food outlet present at major events during the Crop Over Festival.
The Sons of God Apostolic Church have been performing the ritual of
blessings of the last canes since the late 70s when the ‘Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes’ was introduced to the Crop Over calendar by Pan Africanist Elton Elombe Mottley. - Rose Hill Tuk Band
What is uniquely Bajan, has a rhythm so infectious you just have to dance, and is the “engine” driving much of Barbados’ cultural expression? It could only be Tuk! The Engine of the Landship.
Enslaved Africans brought a rich drum culture to the “New World” with them.
The drum was central to the music they created and that music, in turn, was central to their social and cultural life.
The tuk band exists independently from the Landship. In the old time days, roving singers and musicians known as scrubbers included some elements of the tuk band as well. Although other Caribbean islands have created music using the same instruments, Tuk’s complex rhythm is found nowhere else. - Shaggy Bear
You might know the Shaggy Bear from his colourful costume. But did you know that, traditionally, his shag was made from dried banana leaves that rustled loudly when he danced and shook? It is believed he has his roots in the masked Egungun (ee-goon-goon) figures in West Africa who are known to
twirl and spin in sacred cleansing dances to the Ancestors. - ‘Tiltman
This performer walks and dances on wooden poles called stilts. Like a lot of African folk characters, he originally wore a mask and a cone-shaped hat. In West African tradition, the stiltman is thought to be a spirit who protected the village from evil—which makes sense because, he could see for miles! In Trinidad and Tobago, he is known as the moko jumbie. - Muddah Sally
Muddah Sally is recognised today by her exaggerated bosom and buttocks and swirling wuk-up dance! But did you know that she’s an important figure from West African folklore, symbolising fertility, womanhood and feminity?
Muddah Sally used to be a masked character performed by a male, but these days, she is mainly portrayed by women. - Bajan sticklicking
Sticklicking is the traditional form of stick fighting in Barbados. It is a stick fighting martial art that has its roots from Africa, where two participants used fire-hardened wooden sticks, varying in length as weapons and carrying out fighting techniques. - NCF Tuk Band
A tuk band usually has two drummers, a penny whistle and a triangle. But many different instruments have been used over the centuries. SNARE OR KETTLE DRUM – the smaller of the two drums, it hangs around the drummer’s neck and is played using two sticks. A stick is used to hit one side while the other is struck with the open hand. PENNY WHISTLE – these were made from tin, or from wood or reeds.
Bands travelled year-round from village to village, corner shop to corner shop, entertaining audiences with a range of music including semi-classical fare, folk songs and the pop songs of the day. Some of the folk characters, we associate with Crop Over Festival usually accompanied by what we now now as the Tuk Band. - National Dress
The National Dress was often worn on ceremonial occasions during the modern Crop Over Festival by the King and Queen of the Crop, titles given to the top cane cutter and piler of the crop season. It was first presented in November 1994 for the 21st anniversary of Independence. The National Dress of Barbados was selected via national competition held as a part of NIFCA (The National Independence Festival of Creative Arts) Visual Arts Competition
in the 1990’s.
The women’s costume was designed by local artist Coral Bernadine who drew many references in its conceptualisation from the island’s folk traditions. The male costume was designed by local artist Omowale Stewart who drew many references in its conceptualization from the island’s military traditions. - Rum Baron and Plantation Lady
This Glen Genki Brathwaite costume was donated to the NCF by the St James Parish Independence Committee. It depicts the lucrative rum industry of the 18th century and the wealthy sugar baron who controlled the trade and enslaved workers who produced it. The costume comprises an 18th century dandified cavalier hat, garbed in his gold and ivory rose embossed brocade frock coat with contrasting black and gold rose embossed brocade vest, topped off by a white ruffled cravat enhanced by a jewel neck pin. - Fancy Basket Lady
The fancy basket was carried by women vendors who walked from Swan Street in the City to Speightstown with fowls, from Hillaby with Pottery, and from St George with sweet bread. The baskets also contained an assortment of ribbons, thread, lace, hair-nets, combs and other accessories for women.
The traditional ‘fancy’ basket is in fact a cabbage coat basket, one of three types of baskets unique to Barbados. The cabbage coat basket is mostly used for shopping and storage. It is made from the shed spathes of the royal palm tree. - Mauby Seller
Mauby was once sold in the streets by a mauby woman who carried a
container on her head and dispensed to customers as she promenaded. - Nutseller
The Old Nut-seller who would be present at every bus terminus in Barbados.
Mostly women, they were able to beat the age-old restrictions on vending in the city. They were semi-itinerant and, for many, this alternative economy was their only source of income. She is immortalised in the eponymous folk song by the Merrymen, “Who calling? Look muh here with the glassies, the nutcakes and the comforts! …. The toffees, the nuts, the extra-strongs – Look muh here young fellow!” . - The Barbados Landship
The Barbados Landship was established in 1863 by Africans living on
plantation tenantry lands post emancipation. The organisation provided an escape from poverty as it embraced the West African principle of Ubuntu (A Bantu term meaning “I am because we are.””) and operated as a Friendly Society – a group engaging in cooperative saving.
Now the oldest serving African-Barbadian organisation in existence, the Landship has long been officially recognised by the Government of Barbados for its contribution to the island’s heritage. In the 1930s, the movement was robust: three fleets of 60 ships with a membership of over 3,000 men and 800 women. Each ship bore its own unique flag, declaring its identity to one and all.
Today, there is one main surviving ship, the Barbados Landship Association thanks to the yeoman service of the late Lord High Admiral Vernon Watson, who from the 70s dedicated his life’s work to keeping the Landship afloat.
PROCESSIONS ENDS
In a tradition steeped in history, The Sons of God Apostolic Baptist Church will now bless the canes.
*** Thank you Sons of God Apostolic Baptist Church for that blessing.
MC INVITES NCF CHAIRMAN TO GIVE THE WELCOME
I now invite Dr. Jasmine Babb, Chairman of the National Cultural Foundation to officially welcome you.
*** Thank you Dr. Jasmine Babb, Chairman of the National Cultural
Foundation.
The Barbados Landship and Dancin Africa will do a choreography that depicts traditional Landship maneuvers with reimagined modern landship moves.
*** Let’s give the Barbados Landship and Dancin Africa a resound of
applause.
We are at a special place in the ceremony. This is the time when we award sons and daughters of the soil who do exceptional work and give sterling service.
MC INVITES TO THE STAGE IN THIS ORDER:
To make presentations to the winners in Schools Heritage Games
Competition, the Crop Over Special Award, the Outstanding Sugar Workers Awards and the 2023 Crop Over Stalwarts Awards.
I now invite:
Digicel Barbados Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Natalie Abrahams;
NCF Chief Executive Officer Ms. Carol AM Roberts;
NCF Chairman Dr. Jasmine Babb;
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Culture) Senator Dr. The
Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight;
Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley;
MC READS
The National Cultural Foundation is pleased make this presentation,
awarding participants in the inaugural Schools Heritage Games
Competition! This competition is the culmination of training in these
Barbadian traditions in 16 schools over the last year.
The programme aims to bring greater national attention to the practice, uses and value of the heritage games of Barbados.
Participants were selected via their in-school competition and will face off today for bragging rights to be the National Warri and Potta Schools champions. The NCF could not make this programme a reality without the support of, and partnership with the Ministries of Culture and Education.
Participating schools in the 2023 ICH Schools Heritage Games Competition are:
In POTTA
West Terrace Primary, St Elizabeth Primary, Milton Lynch Primary, Grantley
Prescod Memorial, St Jude’s Primary, St Catherine’s Primary, Roland
Edwards Primary.
In WARRI
Graydon Sealy Secondary and Ann Hill School
The Prizes on offer in this competition are:
- Beautiful Mahogany School’s Challenge Trophies in both the Warri
and Potta competitions - Mahogany School’s Trophies in both competitions
- The school’s cash prize vouchers totalling $5,000.
- The student winner’s Trophies
- The student winner’s cash prize vouchers valued at $2,500.00
- Board games for all finalists
- Gifts and memorabilia for all teams
All participating schools and students will be issued certificates of
participation. - MC INVITES MINISTER SENATOR DR SHANTAL MUNRO-KNIGHT TO
STEP FORWARD FOR THE PRESENTATIONS TO THE TOP THREE IN
EACH CATEGORY:
I now invite Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Culture) Senator Dr. The Honourable Shantal Munro-Knight to make these presentations to the schools.
The results in the primary schools Potta Competition are as follows:
Third place …………………………………….. accompanied by teacher(s)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Second place ………………………………….. accompanied by teacher(s)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
The winners of the inaugural Intangible Cultural Heritage Schools
Heritage Games Competition – Potta are:
……………………………………………………… accompanied by teacher(s)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
**Winners stay on stage for photos with the entire presentation party
as the MC invites entire presentation party to step forward.
I now invite the Presentation Party to step forward for photos with the
winners.
In WARRI
The results in the Warri Competition are as follows:
Third place …………………………………….. accompanied by teacher(s)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Second place ………………………………….. accompanied by teacher(s)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
The winners of the inaugural Intangible Cultural Heritage Schools
Heritage Games Competition – Warri are:
……………………………………………………… accompanied by teacher(s)
………………………………………………………………………………………….
**Winners stay on stage for photos with the entire presentation party
as the MC invites entire presentation party to step forward.
I now invite the Presentation Party to step forward for photos with the
winners.
MC THANKS MINISTER SENATOR DR SHANTAL MUNRO-KNIGHT AND
THE PRESENTATION PARTY:
Thank you Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Culture) Dr Shantal
Munro-Knight and the official Presentation Party.
MC INVITES PRIME MINISTER MIA AMOR MOTTLEY, CHAIRMAN OF
THE NCF DR JAMINE BABB AND CEO OF DIGICEL BARBADOS MRS
NATALIE ABRAHAMS TO MAKE THESE PRESENTATIONS:
I now invite and Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley,
Chairman of the NCF Dr Jasmine Babb and Digicel Barbados Mrs.
Natalie Abrahams to make these presentations.
The Crop Over Special Award is being given for a fearless act that shows commitment to task. - Halam has been in the sugar industry for 47 years. Halam started at
Carrington Sugar Factory in 1976-1991 and was transferred to Portvale
Sugar Factory in 1991-2023 as he reached his retirement phase with the company.
Over the years, Halam provided services as a Mechanic and Senior Boiler
Operator. He used his skills and knowledge to train employees in the
industry as he exhibited one of the highest levels of productivity
throughout his years of service.
At 67 years old, he was instrumental in repairing the boilers when he
climbed into the boiler drum and facilitated the replacement of 520 tubes.
This was done over a 10-day period.
Being recognised for unwavering service, dedication, loyalty and acts of
selflessness and bravery throughout his 47 years in the sugar industry
– the 2023 CROP OVER SPECIAL AWARDEE is – HALAM SARGEANT.
**Awardee Halam Sargeant stays on stage for photos with the entire
presentation party as the MC invites entire presentation party to step
forward.
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I now invite the Presentation Party to step forward for photos with the
winners.
** Congratulations to 2023 CROP OVER SPECIAL AWARDEE – HALAM
SARGEANT.
MC READS
We now honour the Outstanding Sugar Workers. These awards are in
recognition of yeomen service in the sugar industry.
Presentation to Awardee Peterson Graham
The first of our four 2023 Outstanding Sugar Workers is Peterson Graham.
What started as a six-week job attachment at the Bulkeley Sugar Factory, St
George has evolved into more than four wonderfully rewarding decades of
service for Peterson Graham.
An Electrical Foreman at Barbados’ lone remaining sugar production facility
at Portvale in St James, Peterson looks back at his career in the industry
with pride and contentment.
Peterson, a 60-year-old father of a twin son and daughter, has spent more
than 40 years becoming proficient in the intricate electrical mechanisms of
the island’s factories. This has involved many long days and nights when
disruptions occurred. Peterson became a member of the Portvale team
continuously from 1999.
Receiving a recognition award for his service to the sugar industry –
2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER – PETERSON GRAHAM
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**Awardee Peterson Graham stays on stage for photos with the entire
presentation party as the MC invites entire presentation party to step
forward.
I now invite the Presentation Party to step forward for photos with the
winners.
** Congratulations to 2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER – PETERSON
GRAHAM.
Presentation to Awardee Robert Eugene
Robert Eugene is the quintessential example of a man determined to find
personal success through hard work and persistence.
He joined the sugar industry three decades ago in the entry level position of
Pot Washer at Bulkeley Sugar Factory in St George. His job was simple;
keep the production areas of the factory clean at all times.
In the 1990s, this affable young man received a new assignment as a Yard
Boy, cleaning the entire factory facility.
When Robert was promoted to Mechanical Foreman in 2019, it was the
culmination of years of hard work and his desire for self-improvement.
His easy-going personality and commitment to teamwork have made him a
popular figure at Portvale Factory. Simon says his rise from yard boy to
mechanical foreman is a rewarding journey of which he is extremely proud.
Receiving a recognition award for his service to the sugar industry –
2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER – ROBERT EUGENE
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**Awardee Robert Eugene stays on stage for photos with the entire
presentation party as the MC invites entire presentation party to step
forward.
I now invite the Presentation Party to step forward for photos with the
winners.
** Congratulations to 2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER – ROBERT
EUGENE
Presentation to Awardee Cyrilene Flemming
She has always operated in a man’s world and the way Cyrilene Flemming
responds is to be resolute, operate at a high standard, and demand respect
from those around her.
Cyrilene’s entry into the agricultural sector and, more specifically, the sugar
industry came several years ago when she responded to a vacancy at
Bulkeley Sugar Factory for a chemist.
With an academic background in the sciences, she joined the factory team,
eager to learn all about its operations and to make her mark among her
many male colleagues.
When the move was made to a single factory at Portvale, St James, she
joined the staff and has been there 11 years. Today, Cyrilene is the Bagging
Room Supervisor, a position she has held for the past three years.
Receiving a recognition award for her service to the sugar industry –
2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER – CYRILENE FLEMMING
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**Awardee Cyrilene Flemming stays on stage for photos with the entire
presentation party as the MC invites entire presentation party to step
forward.
I now invite the Presentation Party to step forward for photos with the
winners.
** Congratulations to 2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER – CYRILENE
FLEMMING
Presentation to Awardee Candace Alleyne
Candace Alleyne is extremely proud of the role she plays as a general worker
at Applewhaites Plantation, St George, and she models the kind of respect
she expects and demands of others around her.
The 49-year-old wife and mother of five is an unapologetic woman of the
earth. She has great deference for the important role agriculture plays but
more specifically, sugarcane and food crops.
In her 19th year as an agricultural worker with Barbados Farms Limited,
Candace concedes that women today have many more opportunities to
pursue various areas of employment or to run their own businesses.
She urges people not to look down on agriculture, noting there are avenues
within the sector for women and men to find honest, secure, and fulfilling
employment.
Receiving a recognition award for her service to the sugar industry –
2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER – CANDACE ALLEYNE
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**Awardee Candace Alleyne stays on stage for photos with the entire
presentation party as the MC invites entire presentation party to step
forward.
I now invite the Presentation Party to step forward for photos with the
winners.
** Congratulations to 2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKER –
CANDACE ALLEYNE
MC THANKS DIGICEL CEO MRS NATALIE ABRAHAMS AND NCF
CHAIRMAN DR JASMINE BABB PRIME MINISTER PLEASE STAY.TODAY
IS A BUSY DAY FOR YOU, MA’AM.
Thank you Digicel Barbados, Mrs. Natalie Abrahams, NCF Chairman Dr
Jasmine Babb and the official Presentation Party.
THE 2023 OUTSTANDING SUGAR WORKERS HAVE RECEIVED
A cheque for $2,000 each from the National Cultural Foundation.
A mobile device compliments Digicel Barbados.
Credit of up to $1 000 compliments Barbados Light & Power Ltd.
A weekend staycation for two compliments Accra Beach Hotel &
Spa.
(CONTINUED ONE MORE PRRIZE)
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The trophies for this year’s honourees are fine examples of
Barbadian craft. They take the form of Handmade Barbados
Monkey pots crafted by master potter Hamilton Wiltshire.
Traditionally used as a water storage jar common in Barbadian
households before the age of refrigeration, the monkey pot
represents Barbadian heritage, resilience and creativity. This
year’s awards are finished to the artisan’s usual high standard.
MC READS
We now turn our attention to the Crop Over Stalwart Awards. This award
is given in recognition of outstanding service and contribution to the Crop
Over Festival.
MC INVITES PRIME MINISTER MIA AMOR MOTTLEY TO MAKE THESE
PRESENTATIONS … FOR THE FIRST TWO WE INVITE NCF CEO MS
CAROL AM ROBERTS TO STEP FORWARD AND JOIN THE PRIME
MINISTER:
I now invite Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley and NCF
CEO Ms. Carol AM Roberts to make these presentations.
Presentation to Stalwart Betheline ‘Betty’ West
Receiving the first Crop Over 2023 Stalwart Award is Betheline ‘Betty’
West.
With over 30 years in fashion, masquerade design and bandleading
experience, Betty West has been a fixture on the Crop Over stage.
She has been producing her own band since 1991, repeatedly placing in the
Band of the Year category. A highlight of her achievements in the festival
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occurred when she won the top prizes in Junior and Grand Kadooment and
also took the title of Festival Designer of the Year in 2005.
She will be 80 years of age in November and epitomises the practice of
ageing gracefully by keeping busy with the things that she loves. Her
current goal is to train some young designers and producers of masquerade
in order to ensure that these traditions are maintained and not lost.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
Masquerade, STALWART – BETHELINE ‘BETTY’ WEST – We Salute You!
Presentation to Stalwart David Weatherhead
David A.A. Weatherhead entered Crop Over as a musician in the Southern
Stars Calypso Tent in 1985 and was soon selected to play in the Junior
Calypso Monarch band as well. He has been Musical Director of Conquerors
Calypso Tent (1986-1999), where he was responsible for establishing a
system of scheduled rehearsals and non-negotiable call times at shows.
He was also the Musical Director of All Stars Calypso Tent (2002-2005), and
co-manager of Conquerors Calypso Tent in 1999. David joined the Festival
Band in 1987 as a substitute and impressed to the point where he was
selected as a full band member in 1988. He played Saxophone with the
Crop-Over Festival Band for 28 years and retired as its Deputy Director
where he had responsibility for planning and coordinating all rehearsals.
David has written/co-written calypsos with several artistes including Adrian
Clarke, Chrystal Cummins-Beckles-Holder, TC, and Ian Webster. He has
also arranged for several calypsonians.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
Music, STALWART – DAVID WEATHERHEAD – We Salute You!
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Thank you NCF CEO Ms. Carol AM Roberts. I now ask NCF Chairman
Dr. Jasmine Babb to step forward and join the PM for the next three
presentations.
Presentation to Michael Taitt
Michael Cheddi Taitt is an acrobat, gymnast, dancer, teacher, actor and
choreographer. He has over 50 years’ experience as a performer, has
appeared in several local productions, and has represented Barbados
numerous times at CARIFESTA in Trinidad, Suriname, St Kitts etc.
He plays the traditional Shaggy Bear in Banana Shag and is the only
performer currently doing so to maintain this key tradition, thus being
integral to the NCF’s efforts in maintaining Barbados’ rich folk heritage. He
has played key roles in the Crop Over Heritage Walk and Crop Over Evening
of Folk productions.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
Dance and Performing Arts, STALWART – MICHAEL CHEDDIE TAITT –
We Salute You!
Presentation to Pedro Hunte
Pedro Hunte has served as a veteran member of Barbados’ Technical
fraternity for many years. He is qualified in Electrical Installation and
Electronics from the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology and
has worked as a Sound Engineer at A&B Music Supplies for over 38 years,
from 1985 to the present.
His experience includes working with calypso tents, major Caribbean bands
several local and regional festivals including CARIFESTA VII in St. Kitts.
He counts his involvement with Cohobblopot 1994 among his most
memorable Crop Over event and rates the Party Monarch event at East
Coast Road in 1996, the most rewarding experience.
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He was a former percussionist with the Black Orchid band and most
notably, has worked as Sound Engineer for the musical bands Soka Kartel,
Spice & Co Ltd and Virtuosity.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
Sound Quality, STALWART – PEDRO HUNTE – We Salute You!
Presentation to Maurice Giles
Maurice Giles is a familiar face at the wide variety of Crop Over events. He is
a veteran photographer with over 40 years’ experience.
From fetes and art exhibitions to the Decorated Cart Parade and Bridgetown
Market, Maurice has documented the many faces of the festival, and
possesses a documentary archive comprising thousands of images.
He considers the highlight of his experience to being witness to the growth of
many creatives over the years.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
photography, STALWART – MAURICE GILES – We Salute You!
Thank you NCF Chairman Dr. Jasmine Babb. I now ask Minister in the
Prime Minister’s Office, Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight to
step forward and join the PM for the final three presentations.
Presentation to Cavil Best
Cavil Best J.P. started drumming at the age of 13, inspired by a musical
family. He started the Rose Hill Tuk Band in 1979 and established Danse
Nationale Afrique (DNA of Barbados) in 1987, where he has been a director
for the past 36 years. He has participated in two CARIFESTA events,
advertising presentations with ESPN and The Barbados Light & Power, and
has worked with many groups including; Stage One Theatre, Primcada,
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Tyronna Dance Movement, Africanity International, Barbados Dance
Theatre, Sun Movement Dancers, Sankofa Productions, and Dancin’ Africa.
Cavil has over 40 years’ experience as a drummer specialising in Tuk Band
Bass and African Djembe and 30 years’ experience as a Performing Arts
Coordinator.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
Drumming and Performing Arts, STALWART – CAVIL BEST – We Salute
You!
Presentation to Marlon Ras Ilon Skeete
Marlon ‘Ras Ilon’ Skeete is a largely self-taught artist who has been painting
since 1987 and carving since the 1990s. He was introduced to mural and
banner painting when in the 1980s he assisted the renown street artist
Ras Izebo with some of his works around the island.
Most often recognised for his mahogany wood carving which captures
aspects of the Barbadian wildlife in a folk expression, he has been a
consistent exhibitor at Crop Over participating in both the national
exhibition and Bridgetown Market. He has won many awards for his works
in both the Crop Over and NIFCA exhibitions.
He has also independently executed Murals at multiple locations around the
island, his latest being at Cambridge in St. Andrew. The Crop Over festival
has seen him contributing to the production of masquerade bands over the
years.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
Visual Arts, STALWART – MARLON RAS ILON SKEETE – We Salute You!
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Presentation to Trevor Chase
Trevor Chase has been a masquerade bandleader for well over 20 years, and
a mas’ player since the early 1980s. He has always loved the costumes of
the festival and admires such greats as Peter Minshal and Robert Weekes.
In his earliest involvement in the Festival he would often play mas in an
Individual Male category for the Gwyneth Squires band having a special love
for designing and wearing the larger costumes.
Once he started his own Band OOUTRAJE, producing and competing his
own costumes there was no turning back. He considers his first win of the
top prize in the Queens of the bands competition in 2008 and his Tribute to
Landship in 2011 to be the high points of his Mas’ career to date.
In recognition of outstanding service to the Crop Over Festival in
Masquerade, STALWART – TREVOR CHASE – We Salute You!
MC THANKS THE OFFICIAL PARTY:
Thank you Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Culture Senator Dr.
Shantal Munro-Knight and other members of the Official Presentation
Party. Thank you
NCF Chairman Dr. Jasmine Babb,
NCF Chief Executive Officer Ms. Carol AM Roberts and;
Digicel Barbados Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Natalie Abrahams
Prime Minister Mottley we need you to stay!
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Congratulations to the winners of the Schools Heritage Games Competitions
and to the 12 recipients of awards this evening. To deliver the featured
remarks and declare the Crop Over 2023 Season officially open, ladies I
present to you Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley.
*** Thank you Prime Minister The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley. I promise
not to call on you anymore.
Sunrokk performance
Doing a piece which is in tribute to Cassius Clay, who died last month,
spoken word artiste Sunrokk. The piece is fused with Bashment Soca and is
choreographed by Keisha Dowridge.
Thank you Sunrokk and crew! RIP Bajan gem and entertainer Cassius
Clay!
Sticklicking is the traditional form of stick fighting in Barbados.
It is a stick fighting martial art that has its roots from Africa, where two
participants used fire-hardened wooden sticks, varying in length as
weapons and carrying out fighting techniques. Here to perform for you
this evening is the NCF’s Intangible Cltural Heritage Sticklicking
group.
Thank you NCF Sticklickers!
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Israel Lovell Group doing Skirt Dance will close out this evening’s
performances.
Thank you Israel Lovell!
MC CLOSING REMARKS
We have come to the end of the officialdom but don’t leave Haymans.
Go and check out these spots: - the Bajan Market Place with 30 plus vendors
- the Millennial Hub where young and emerging entrepreneurs were a
key feature - the Children’s Play where you could get copies of the NCF Heritage
Colouring and Fun Books - the NCF-comissioned art installation titled Sugar Reimaged by four
top local visual artists - I hope wunna try wunna hand at basketry baking during the free
workshops and demos - Wait, wunna went by the top Bajan chefs to get a sample of some
dem delights? - Top up today with Digicel and activate a three-day or higher plan and
get 2 GB more data from today until the end of Crop Over. There are
to my left, you can’t miss them. - Check out sponsors Student Revolving Loan for a chance to win two
Baje costumes.
28 - Head to Sponsors Sunshine Snacks Ole Loco tent to taste
- Buy a beer or two from Bryden’s Stokes Bar in the factory. Yuh can’t
miss it …it upstairs and it big.
If you don’t know where to go find one of the site maps scan the QR
Code to help you make your way around.
We got plenty food vendors too … so please we begging yuh go and
patronise the local businesses and buy something. Look even carry
home something for a family member or friend who aint here.
Special thanks again to this year’s event is sponsored by Digicel Barbados.
Remember Digicel is giving customers MORE! MORE DATA! MORE VALUE!
and MORE VIBES! for the Crop Over Season.
Also supporting to this event are Associate Sponsors: - Sunshine Snacks – The Snack of Crop Over
- Dasani – The Water of the Festival
- Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP)
- The Student Revolving Loan Fund
- Barbados Light & Power Ltd.
Other sponsors are: - Accra Beach Hotel & Spa
- Purity Bakeries
- Glacial Ice
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We are also grateful to the management and staff of Haymans Sugar
Factory for allowing us to use this beautiful property.
Thanks to all the performers and creatives who were a part of the
procession or those here on stage.
Special thanks to Bonnie Leonce for interpreting for the hearing
impaired.
A huge thank you to the entire team at the NCF and all the service
providers who worked with them to make this event a resounding
success…
We meet back here on the mainstage at 6:30 p.m. sharp for the
Vintage Calypso Tent. We will have a rocking time enjoying Road
March hits from 1979 to 2003.
