Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
An animated discussion ensues among (from left) Linda Christian-Clarke; Michael Anthony Cuffe; Nina Clarke; Mikey Bennett and Donna McFarlane. The Barbados Tourism Authority and National Cultural Foundation hosted a luncheon presentation to launch Crop Over 2005, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, on Thursday, March 31. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
GET YOUR passports in order, people; Barbados is calling!
That island's premier event, Crop Over Festival, beckons all and sundry from across the Caribbean and the world to come and participate. The Barbados Tourism Authority and National Cultural Foundation hosted a luncheon presentation for Crop Over 2005 on Thursday, March 31, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, St. Andrew.
The hotel suite resembled a travel agency booth as a myriad of posters, events calendars and brochures were readily available. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the brightly coloured centrepieces with masks, plumes and beads included. The tablecloths sported vibrant colours and posters depicting scenes of Barbados hung from the walls. Even the menu had a Bajan flavour with fried fish fillet.
Tour operators, travel lovers, as well as members of the Jamaican tourist industry, came to find out more about this year's Crop Over, which seems to be the biggest one for some years. For starters, there will be a number of cavalcades islandwide leading up to the major shows which start on July 9, with the Opening Gala. New artistes honing their skills are expected to have the crowds jumping at these events. The festival runs from July 9 to August 1.
REGULAR EVENTS
Some of the regular events to look forward to are the Party Monarch finals on July 24; the Pic-O-De-Crop Finals on July 29; and the Grand Kadooment on August 1, in Barbados' National Stadium. No wonder they always say the festival is "sweet fuh days."
To keep the festival alive with fresh ideas, there are a few changes. The music from the various artistes will be released to the public sooner and there will be more steel band music for the thousands who show up. Also, the Junior Calypso Monarch competition (July 16) will be separated from the Junior Kadooment (masquerade) tournament a week later.
Various Barbadian hotels were offering special packages for those contemplating the trip. Even rent-a-car agencies were seeking to entice customers. Guests were treated to DVD presentations of Barbados and scenes from Crop Overs past. No doubt, more than a few individuals are already clearing their calendars for the flight to the Eastern Caribbean.
