I WISH TO preface this submission with a question. Hon. Ministers Stephen Lashley and Richard Sealy, and the people of Barbados, do you think that there is any merit or benefit in the replication of a season of Crop Over in New York, and to include Canada in the events?
Perhaps the Government, the National Cultrual Foundation (NCF), the consul General’s office and maybe even an enterprising entrepreneur, can consider taking Crop Over to New York.
I wish to respectfully suggest that such an undertaking will have the benefit of attracting thousands of Barbadians and persons from the fifty states across America, including the undocumented ones, and the thousands living in Canada, who can easily drive, fly or take a train to the events.
With TV coverage and the vast technology at our disposal, I strongly believe Barbados can benefit exponentially from such a bold, progressive and proactive step.
I believe that we potentially have a big toe in the door already, to the heart of the Mayor of New York, Bill Blasio through his wife, whom I am told has Barbadian heritage.
As starters in the area of advertising, we can tap into the sponsorship of the many hotels, and other businesses here in Barbados the United States and Canada. We have some efficient, able and qualified personnel at our disposal, both here and at the Consul General’s office in the US, who can efficiently and effectively organise such an events.
One, maybe, is tempted to question, where would the nucleus of competitors come from? I am sure there are enough calypsonian singers residing in the US and Canada who can compete.
I wish to respectfully suggest, let us look at the idea positively, proactively and constructively and not negatively.
– Evangelist Courtney “Sellie” Selman