Government and the private sector entity that runs Bushy Park have been at odds over matters involving the hosting of the annual Soca Royale but Government has prevailed, and the popular Crop Over show is there to stay.
This is the word from Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, who admitted “issues” were raised by the developers of the St Philip-based motor sport venue, Bushy Park Circuit Inc., regarding Soca Royale which brings together top local artistes in the Sweet Soca and Party Monarch contests.
“I’m aware that there have been some issues raised but I actually had a meeting with the relevant parties on Tuesday, so I believe that I have clarified for all and sundry what has to happen at Bushy Park. There can be no impediment at all to the holding of Crop Over events at Bushy Park, none whatsoever,” the minister told the WEEKEND NATION following Wednesday’s Editors’ Forum at the NATION’s Fontabelle, St Michael offices.
He also noted that while there may be arrangements with sponsors and other entities in relation to Bushy Park Circuit Inc. which may conflict with sponsors and entities connected to the main producer of Crop Over, the Government-owned National Cultural Foundation, “those [private] arrangements cannot bind the Crown and, by extension, cannot have any impact at all on Crop Over”.
