Las’ lap at Ilaro

Three thousand guests thronged the grounds of Ilaro Court on Thursday night for the  Prime Minister’s Crop-Over reception hosted each year for overseas-based Barbadians at home for the festival.It was a “las’ lap” for the many Bajans here from the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean, who were treated to performances by some of the season’s popular calypsonians and festival artistes, and by the Royal Barbados Police Force Band.Prime Minister David Thompson has traditionally hosted the affair that is so eagerly anticipated by the many who attend. However, with Thompson currently on two months’ sick leave, Acting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart took on the role of host, personally greeting the thousands passing through a meandering reception line.Expansive tents provided cover for guests dancing to the festival’s big hits performed by Party Monarch, Road March King and Soca Royale winner Blood, as well as Junior Calypso Monarch Miles-Z, Adrian Clarke, Mikey and others.Several food stations serving fish cakes, miniature ham cutters, samosas and a selection of other finger foods, as well as stocked bars, dotted the grounds.Stuart joined ministers of government, some of Barbados’ overseas-based diplomats, members of the locally based foreign diplomatic corps and several business leaders in mingling with the visiting and local guests. (GC)