THE SUN HAS set and the dust settled on the 2016 Crop Over season.
The post-mortems have now begun to flow from the Monday morning quarterbacks and the self-proclaimed commentators (among whom I place myself).
Before I give my assessments, let me express sympathy to the family and friends of Renee Ratcliffe on her unfortunate death. We have lost a good one. Here was a lady who was bubbly, generous and always willing to give a good laugh. Her hellos and little cheeky winks totally disarmed you. We will all miss you, Renee.
As the season now fades into our memories, I ask my friend and former professional colleague, iWeb for poetic licence with his lyrics.
First, let’s acknowledge Minister Stephen Lashley, Mrs Maureen Graham and my buddy Cranston Browne for their organisation and planning. Big Up to you all.
To the staff at the NCF, inclusive of Dorsie Boyce, Christina and the entire crew, a job well done. Big up to you for the outstanding execution of the plans and policies. You absolutely manifest the meaning of true professionalism and good team work. Big Up.
No festival could be a success without the hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the band and tent managers. I will not attempt to name all of them, but your efforts have continued to promote the beauty, the creativity and the artistic excellence that defines our nation.
We have a National Heroes Day at which time we honour some very outstanding individuals. Our heroes, however, do not end there. I wish that I could twirl a magic wand and give hero status to Betty West, Gwyneth Squires, Chetwin Stewart, Mackie Holder and the other bandleaders who simply drive this festival. To them all, I say, “Big Up.”
I cannot deny the special pride I felt on Kiddies Kadooment day. Those young children touched nerves in me that spun my head and made me happy to be alive. Of course, seeing my granddaughter with her special moves and wines (that I don’t even have) kept me in stitches. To those who worked with these young ones and to those who revelled, a very special Big Up.
We all saw the masses at Bushy Park. The young and the old; the resident and the visitor came out in droves to show their support and to enjoy the infectious rhythms that emanated from the stage. We, the spectators and indeed the performers were all winners. Big Up.
As we reflect on the chosen in each of the contests, lets shout for Lil Rick, Edwin (our outstanding General), Marvay and Stiffy. If we were in any doubt about the quality of our calypso music, let’s all put that to rest. What we heard certainly came from the mountaintop and the enthusiastic response was quite fitting. To these champions all, I heartily say, Big Up.
Of course, I leave pride of place for the youthful and talented Queen Aziza. You stood with the giants of the art form and soared in the end. Our calypso is in very good hands with and the champions of the junior competitions. Big Up to you and to juniors as well.
After leaving Spring Garden late Monday night, I took a drive through that area early on the next day. The transformation was stark. And we question the work ethic of our people? They really came to the ball game and ended as winners. So, to the sanitation workers and all who participated in the clean-up, hold your heads high and be proud as I say a loud Big Up to you.
With all the troubles that are straddling the world stage these days, I am proud of the fact that our festival was virtually incident-free.
Yes, discipline prevailed but the outstanding work of the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force cannot be understated. I saw their commitment and their interaction with persons. To the Commissioner and all, I give a big time Big Up!
Jeff Broomes is an experienced educator, principal and community organiser who also served as vice president of the BCA and director of the WICB. Email: unclejeff2@hotmail.com