This past week was one of highs and lows for Barbados.
Online readers did a post-mortem of the just concluded Crop Over Festival, giving their take on how it could be better.
They also gave Friday’s Rihanna LOUD concert at Kensington Oval the thumbs up, recognizing that a production of that magnitude has never been seen in Barbados.
However, the scourge of crime, particularly the killing of Arthur Chaderton and his son-in-law last week by armed robbers who broke into their St George home, angered many who said more needed to be done to catch and punish the culprits of such vile crimes.
When the curtain came down on Crop Over exactly one week ago, readers posted their views, with the playing of Trinidad music leaving a sour note with many of them.
Shakira Doughlin: “This year was a good year. However, I feel as though it could have been better with more songs of better quality. We need to stop relying on Trini artistes to hype up our festival. Also, I would like to impress upon the DJs that playing 80 per cent Trini songs at these events isn’t the direction they should go.”
L. Henry Bedeau: “The music from Carnival 2011 was so good I think the DJs would have been at a loss by not playing it along with the current Crop Over releases. This season to me was fantastic because it included other island’s music and artistes. There is always going to be an inherent Bajan vibe in the fetes because of the people and culture of Barbados. I had the time of my life and would only say to be mindful of the prices for some of the all-inclusives are a little pricey.
Paul Sivers: “This year in my opinion was a good year for music. I would like to see the radio DJs play more local music. Some of the low points were the absence of the kings and queens of the bands.”
As Crop Over came to a close, Barbadians were still on a high with the much anticipated Rihanna LOUD concert.
Many were hyped from the time she was spotted jumping on the road on Kadooment Day. Readers were happy to see the Grammy award home-grown winner enjoying herself.
Kira Boo wrote: “My girl really enjoyed herself. Love it.”
Lecia Greene: “You are a true Bajan. Love you bad.”
It was shortly after Barbadians were on this high that the low followed, which was triggered by the killings in St George.
Shocked by this grisly crime, online readers vented angrily on our Facebook page.
Wendy Watson: “My heart goes out to the family. Lord help my little country. Crime is being ridiculous. Save us Lord.”
Princess Neferua: “This is just awful and it’s not going to get any better when they can kill innocent people and go to jail for nine years and come back. It’s so heartbreaking when grieving family have to suffer at the hands of these nuisances who invade our lives and take what is ours. God help us all.”
