Culture

Finalists ready for big showdown; Mother, son vying for kaiso royalty

For the first time in the 44-year history of the Pic-O-De-Crop competition, a mother and her son will face off in the final. They will join four former monarchs, two junior monarchs and a number of first-time finalists vying to dethrone defending calypso monarch King Quon at the Courtesy Garage Pic-O-De-Crop Final at the new amphitheatre venue at National Botanical Gardens on Friday, August 4, 2023.

Finalists who will challenge the reigning monarch King Quon, who hails from the House of Soca, are: All Stars Calypso Tent’s Donella Weekes-Oliver and her son Don-Ross Ross Oliver from Shining Stars. Also, from All Stars are: John Yarde, former Junior Monarch queen Teri, Charisma, Eric Lewis and Niqa; former monarch Bumba of Shining Stars; from the De Big Show three-time king I-Web, two-time winner AC, former monarch Mr Blood, Chrystal and Nathalee; and from The House of Soca past Junior Monarch champion Ranaan, Billboard, Raheem, Coopa Dan and Keerah.

A tie for 17^th place meant that there will be no reserve and the Finals will see a total of 19 contestants on stage. The results were tabulated by our auditors Pricewaterhouse Coopers.

Still basking in excitement, 21-year-old Ross described reaching the final on his first try as surreal, even more because he gets the opportunity to compete against his mum. Weekes-Oliver noted that the occasion is especially fitting and a wonderful feeling because it has always been a dream of Ross to compete against her, but never did they think it would be on the most prestigious calypso stage.

“The feeling that I have, enough words can’t explain it but I am feeling really, really good for him. I feel good for myself too but mainly for him. It is his first try at Pic-O-De-Crop and he has made it all the way and for me that’s an achievement already,” Weekes-Oliver said.

In addition to the advice Weekes-Oliver has shared with Ross throughout the Crop Over season on preparation and focusing, Ross credited his experiences in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition for preparing him psychologically for the rudiments of competition.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Raheem, who placed second in the aforementioned competition in 2016. Expressing how blessed he felt to reach the Pic-O-De-Crop stage, the 25-year-old maintained that the achievement would not have been possible without the solid foundation established in the junior competition. So even though he will make his debut in the big yard, Raheem said he was not intimidated but was currently drawing up strategies for his performance.

“I had a goal set this year and that was to reach the final of the Pic-O-De-Crop and I did that. So, in my mind I already won. From here I [am] just going out to put on as good a show as I can and the judges’ decision is final. Win, lose or draw, I will forever be grateful, because to reach the final stage is a big achievement for me already.”

Another new-comer is Coopa Dan who may be a more familiar face in the bashment and soca scene. However, many would be surprised to know that he is no stranger to social commentary having begun his career in this genre when he was about 17 years old. For him, reaching the Final is the pinnacle and he believed that his chance at victory was as good as any of the other 18 in the line-up.

Likewise, former monarch Brian Bumba Payne, last reached the Final’s stage in 2009 when he placed seventh, however he was excited though reserved about the big night. (PR)

Culture

Barbados Participates In International Conference On Cultural Heritage

A three-member Barbadian delegation is in Nairobi, Kenya, attending the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa: A Dialogue on the Concept of Authenticity, which aims to foster an exchange of research, experience, knowledge, and observations.

The members of the delegation are Steve Devonish, Chair of the Barbados World Heritage Committee and Site Manager for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison; Alissandra Cummins, Deputy Chair of the Barbados World Heritage Committee; and Dr. Sheron Johnson, Focal Point for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.

The four-day conference is a significant event dedicated to repositioning and redefining the concepts of authenticity and integrity in the context of African heritage. It is organised by UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the African World Heritage Fund, and has brought together heritage experts, government officials, local communities, non-governmental organisations, and academics from across Africa and the world.

Barbados, as the only Caribbean country to present at the conference, has been welcomed wholeheartedly by the Director of the World Heritage Centre, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, organisers of the conference, and other African countries.

The delegation, at the request of the Director, spoke to the outcomes of the conference having implications for small island developing states such as Barbados, as much of our heritage has linkage with Africa.

The meeting also seeks to address the gap between global heritage frameworks and African realities, particularly how authenticity and integrity are defined and applied. Its importance lies in the current application of authenticity, which has a European slate and negates African ecological realities, communities and landscapes.

Africa is home to an extraordinary wealth of cultural and natural heritage, yet it remains underrepresented on the World Heritage List. Currently, African sites make up only 12.26 per cent of the 1,223 World Heritage properties globally, despite the continent’s significance as the cradle of humanity. Additionally, it has the highest number of endangered heritage sites worldwide.

While in Kenya, the delegation, led by Mr. Devonish, paid a visit to the High Commission for Barbados in Kenya and engaged in fruitful discussions with the High Commissioner William McDonald on ways to further deepen the relation between Barbados and African States on matters of heritage, support for Barbados’ future plans at the World Heritage Centre, and ways the Division of Culture can support the Mission’s outreach to the Kenyan population. (PR/GIS)

Culture

Clarification Of Investment Target For We Gatherin’ 2025

As the We Gatherin’ initiative continues in full stride, we take this time to thank those members of corporate Barbados who have committed to helping us reach our target of $5,000,000 (five million) in support and investment, whether cash or in kind.

So far, we have secured $500,000 from businesses across the island, and we continue to encourage other private sector entities to contribute to this historical initiative, that not only brings our society closer together but that will provide much needed assistance to programs that will benefit our youth, helping to steer us through troubled times to a better, more peaceful and prosperous Barbados for all.

After the recently concluded church service at St. Anne’s Church in St. Joseph, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight was keen to speak on the progress towards reaching this target.

“During my address, I inadvertently mentioned a figure of $5 million in private sector donations. That number reflects our aspirational goal, not the current reality. To clarify, we have presently secured $500,000 in contributions toward this initiative. We remain deeply grateful for the support received thus far and continue to encourage additional private sector partners to join us in this important national effort.”

We Gatherin’ 2025 continues with events and activities in St. Joseph for the month of April and moving on to St. John in May. (PR/GIS)

Culture

We Gatherin’ Activities Launched In Boston Over The Weekend

The spirit of Barbados was alive last Saturday, March 22, as the Consulate General of Barbados in New York, in partnership with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), officially launched the ‘We Gatherin’ 2025 series in Boston.

According to Consul General Lorenzo Harewood, the event, held at the Sorrel and Lime place, was a spectacular showcase of Barbadian culture, bringing together scores of Barbadians and friends of Barbados for an unforgettable experience.

“Attendees were immersed in the rich sights, sounds, and flavours of the island, enjoying pulsating local music, mouthwatering Bajan cuisine, and a vibrant marketplace filled with stalls owned by Barbadian entrepreneurs,” he said.

He noted that from handcrafted souvenirs to locally made products, the event provided a platform for businesses to connect with the diaspora and promote authentic Barbadian goods.

The Consul General said that the energy in the room was electric as Barbadians, young and old, reunited with friends, made new connections, and celebrated their shared heritage.

A major highlight of the evening was the exciting giveaways, including exclusive discounted travel packages and the grand prize won by Carson Straughn – a trip for two to Barbados. The winners were thrilled at the chance to visit their homeland and immerse themselves in all that the island has to offer.

Mr. Harewood stated that the successful launch marked the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating ‘We Gatherin’ 2025’ series.

“With overwhelming support and enthusiasm from attendees, the celebrations are set to continue in Connecticut, and Philadelphia, and culminate in a grand finale in New York throughout April and May. Many attendees have pledged to follow the journey, eager to experience more of the warmth, culture, and togetherness that define the Barbadian spirit,” he remarked.

The Consul General added: “The partnership between the Consulate and BTMI underscores a shared commitment to strengthening connections between Barbados and its diaspora while promoting the island as a premier destination for both leisure and business.

“As the excitement builds, Barbadians across generations are encouraged to join the movement, return home, and take part in the national festivals and activities happening throughout 2025.”

During the event, a brief intermission provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding professional achievements. Mr. Harewood took to the stage to present the prestigious Professional Achievement Award to Professor Cardinal Warde, a distinguished faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Professor Warde is widely regarded as a leading expert in optical information processing and display technologies. His extensive contributions to the field include over 150 technical papers, co-editorship of a book, and co-authorship of three book chapters on optical materials and devices.

Beyond academia, his innovative work is reflected in 12 patents related to spatial light modulators, displays, and optical information processing systems, solidifying his influence in advancing cutting-edge optical technologies. (PR/GIS)