THE HIGH COST of Kadooment costume bands is forcing Barbadians to drop out of the mas, while increasing numbers of visitors are joining bands.
Given this development, bandleaders are appealing to Government to reduce high duties they have to pay on costume materials, which they have highlighted as one of the main reasons for the high prices they have to attach to costumes that many Barbadians have indicated were unaffordable.
Some of the leaders of bands parading at the National Stadium on Monday pointed out many of their revellers were from overseas, as year after year, the growing number of visitors in bands appeared to be about to overshadow Barbadian participation.
Though they all welcomed the overseas patronage, most of the bandleaders who spoke to the DAILY NATION were of the view that this signature Crop Over event ought to be more affordable for Barbadians. (GC)
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