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50 years of crop over. Hit or miss?

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Submitted by Observing
Carolann Roberts (l) Jasmine Babb (c) Shontal Monroe-Knight (r)

2024 represented 50 years of Crop Over. In some circles it was heralded as a tremendous milestone to be proud of and celebrate. For “us” Crop Over babies we were definitely looking forward to a rocking good time.

What has happened since then leaves much to be desired. This thread isn’t aimed at blaming any one or criticizing randomly, but, having been to every crop over event at one point or the other over the years, it is clear to me that the planning, organization, logisitics, production and “exciting feel” of this year’s season left a lot to be desired (with Pandemonium being the notable exception and a great show).
. 
Now, I may be wrong and it may be just be me. But conversations with vendors, shop owners and tourists reveal a lackluster festival at best. Some commentators said the same in the daily newspapers recently. Take Bridgetown Market for instance. What was a standard huge family event was an absolute graveyard compared to past years. Then the Pic O De Crop Finals. Yes we will have hiccups but this one had a moboton. Hopefully the rumour about the President’s placement is false. Foreday Morning is slowly meeting its demise at the hands of the private jumps. We still have some time to see how Soca 5.0 and the final Jump goes tomorrow (this was written Sunday evening)

Private promoters (all 100+ of them) must be commended for staging some good events with a few “misses.” But, everyone will not have $150-$300 to fork out 3 – 4 times for the season. As for the Kadooment costumes, they are clearly priced for a market that is well beyond the average pocket. As David mentioned in a thread sometime back, this is we culture, revelry can’t done. 

Questions that we can ask now or after the dust has settled.

  1. Was our 50 years of Crop Over a hit or a miss?
  2. Do we really about national culture outside of fete after fete after fete after fete?
  3. Should Crop Over just be left to the private promoters?
  4. Did we put all our “eggs” in the T20 World Cup basket with nothing left for the season?
  5. Are there challenges in “culture management” generally that we should be aware of?

Whatever it is, for me personally, something was “off” this year. And for a festival that is now a half century old, that should give someone somewhere pause for thought. If they care. 

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70 responses to “50 years of crop over. Hit or miss?”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    It is logical behaviours and charateristics that have emerged from the crop over project is a manifestation of the wider society and economy.

  2. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    AFTER THE 2008/9 WORLD STOCK MARKET CRASH THAT DEVASTATED THE LIVES OF MILLIONS & THIS SONG BY BRITISH-CANADIAN SONGBIRD WHICH SOME CALL A #OneHitWonder BY DANIEL POWTER HAS HAD OVER 200 MILLION VIEWS ON YOUTUBE – SOLD MULTI-MILLIONS & HE WAS RECENTLY ON CANADA GOT TALENT & SANG THE SAME SONG THAT MADE HIS FAMOUS

    Life is truly about “SWINGS & ROUNDABOUTS” & my greatest “FEAR” is the world’s “ECONOMY” is about to take another “NOSE-DIVE” & “TUMBLE DOWN” worst than 2008/9 & some things are just “PROPHETIC OMENS”!!!

    #ThisSongIsOne
    #StayTuned
    #NoTime2BeWastingMoney
    #SaveLikeCrazy

  3. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    THE GLOBALISTS ARE “banking” ON A “GREAT RESET”. SO WHILE THE WORLD IS WUKKING UP, GYRATING & PLAYING THE ARSE* (WITH THEIR BACKSIDES) – THE ONLY ORGAN USED FOR DEFECATION & OFTENTIMES STINKS 2 HIGH HEAVEN – YET IS RELISHED AS A CALABASH BOWL OF PLEASURE, LUST & TORRID IMAGINATIONS! SO WHILE THE “IJIOTS” CAVORT LIKE CAROUSELS ON THE DECK CHAIRS OF THE TITANIC – EVERYTHING WE HAVE EVER HELD DEAR IS ABOUT TO PLUNGE INTO HELL LIKE THE KINGDA KA ROLLER COASTER RIDE @ SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE PARK IN JACKSON, NJ

    The voice of the “PROPHETS” continue 2 “CRY IN THIS “21ST CENTURY WILDERNESS” but every other #god is the “AXIS OF WORSHIP” – from “BACCHUS” to “JANUS” to the “TREE HUGGERS” in the wild who believe that they have to save the earth – as if “NOAH” could have saved what was “EARMARKED 4 DESTRUCTION”!!!

    So while the “MASSES” sleep with the “ENEMY” & the “OTHERS, PARTY HEARTY” – filling themselves with “NECROTIC BODILY FLUIDS” of a “LETHAL” kind – “EATING & DRINKING” themselves into a state of “CATATONIA” – the so-called “LEADERS” push through their “TYRANNICAL DEVICES”, “LAWS” & “POLICIES” under our noses (YET THE PEOPLE SEEM TO LIKE IT SO) according to the words of the “PROPHET JEREMIAH” in chapter 5, verse 30-31!!!

    It is sad, if it were not so “DISGUSTING”!!!

    BUT, this is the “ERA” of “FREE THIS & FREE THAT” – yet most will sadly have to pay the “PIPER” for acts of belligerence, “WANTON, BLIND IGNORANCE” & the “BETRAYAL OF TRUST” in what is “DECENT” & “HONOURABLE”!!!

    Even “GOOD ‘OLE BLIGHTY” ( #PlagueIsland in the #NorthSea ) is “FAST ASLEEP” – while her “COLON)IES)” aka “FORMER SLAVE-HOLDING GULAGS OF HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION” find every possible excuse to “DRINK & SMOKE” themselves into a “MINDLESS FEBRILE STATE” – then to “WUKK-UP” & “FOOP LIKE A DOG” with anything & anyone in a “FRENZIED STATE OF SELF-IMPOSED AMNESIA”!!!

    #BeamMeUpScotty
    #TooMuchMadness
    #SurelyTheEndBeckons

  4. David Avatar
    David

    Today’s Nation Editorial 0 Aug 2024

    NCF must ensure excellence

    AFTER 50 YEARS of Crop Over, the Pic O De Crop competition remains the marquee event on our annual festival calendar and the public expects nothing but a first-class show.

    Last Friday night’s presentation at the Botanical Gardens fell woefully short of that standard, with too many foul-ups and blunders. It was not simply a case of Murphy’s Law at play.

    The National Cultural Foundation (NCF), producers of the event, has established a stellar record at staging shows and events. Indeed, this is where the foundation excels over its role as a development agency for the creative arts.

    This year’s big event at Waterford was to be a show piece for those at the facility and the tens of thousands who watched on live television and online platforms.

    The occasion should have been flawless, given the overseas social media influencers invited to cover the event by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. Their live blogging could only reflect what they saw as it unfolded.

    Pic O De Crop must be the event which leaves patrons, sponsors, news media and even detractors astounded and chatting for all the right reasons. It must also stand out as the No.1 choice amongst the growing number of festivals in the region being staged around the same time.

    While the late start on Friday night was bad, things were further compromised by too many missteps in quick succession. Patrons and onlookers are not concerned about the weather or any other potential impact, including technical issues.

    The series of unfortunate events should tell the foundation’s leadership there is little breathing space after the curtain comes down today as preparation for the year ahead must start almost immediately. It must include a frank review of the Crop Over Festival, ranging from the suitability of venues to the foundation’s future role related to the various activities, given the growing and thriving private sector promotions. The absence of an exhibition featuring visuals, sound and videos of the festival over the past 50 years was an oversight, but should still be considered post this year’s celebration. The foundation and all other state entities involved must be aware of the importance of the cultural sector in ensuring the continued development of our society. The creative industry plays a crucial role in driving our economy and its contribution is significant and often under-appreciated and not well quantified.

    There are some major hurdles to scale, given the recent concerns of chief executive officer of the foundation, Carol Roberts, and president of the Entertainment Association of Barbados, Rudy Maloney, regarding manpower shortages evident during this year’s festival.

    The NCF must be at the forefront of building a pipeline of talent and opportunity for our young people in the creative industry sector. They must be well equipped with the skills to thrive and succeed in a world where technology is changing this industry.

    The foundation must put some energy and urgency behind its developmental role. It must be assiduous in the promotion of excellence.

  5. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Keep the Customer Satisfied

    Spontaneous organic grass roots festivals has become replaced by organised big business shows.

    Crop over should be a historical celebration to honour the ancestral spirits of 20 generations of slaves who are still joining the Barbados people in the revelry

    Gee but it’s great to be back home
    Home is where I want to be
    I’ve been on the road so long my friend
    And if you came along
    I know you couldn’t disagree

    It’s the same old story, yeah
    Everywhere I go
    I get slandered, libeled
    I hear words I never heard in the Bible
    And I’m one step ahead of the shoe shine
    Two steps away from the county line
    Just trying to keep my customers satisfied
    Satisfied

    Deputy Sheriff said to me
    Tell me what you come here for, boy
    You better get your bags and flee
    You’re in trouble boy
    And you’re heading into more

  6. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    AS I SIT HERE LISTENING 2 MARCIA WEEKES ET AL, THE QUESTION IS: “what is the next move, GUYS*?”

    Marcia cites the areas of “CONTENTION” in Bajan society:

    (1) Why are We Tired Of The Mottley Govt?
    (2) Continued Blatant Disrespect Of The Barbadian Public By Mottley GOV*
    (3) Disrespect of the President Of Barbados
    (4) Food & Gas Prices are through the roof!!
    (5) Poor Working Conditions & Gross Disrespect of Public Sector Workers
    (6) Absentee, Clueless Out Of Touch Prime Minister
    (7) No Job Opportunities For Young Graduates
    (8) Corruption & Cover Up By the GOV*
    (9) No Republican Constitution since we have been a Republic
    (10) Bad Governance
    (11) Broken Promises by the #MottleyCrewGOV*
    (12) Poor Health Care
    (13) Dirty Tap Water That Is Barely Accessible
    (14) Garbage Pile Up
    (15) Lies! Lies! Lies!!!

  7. David Avatar
    David

    @TB

    You must be careful to filter hyperbole from what is real. Barbados is a price taker and net purchaser. Our cost of production is very high and has been always. This government is heavily targeted because there is no viable opposition and therefore a fragmented and in some cases agenda driven political opposition is in play.

    That said the government as always can do better.

  8. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    WHEN YOU HAVE TO OVERTHROW A GOVERNMENT – USE THE PLAYBOOK OF THE ALBINO-CENTRIC CAUCASOIDS, AS THEY HAVE MASTERED THE CHRONIC ART OF REVOLUTION (BOTH BLOODLESS & BLOODIED)

    Democracy is a very bad form of “GOV” but all the others are so much worse!!!

    We can change “SO-CALLED DICTATORIAL LEADERS” by “REVOLUTION” but as is always the case, “THE MONOLITHIC INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK” still exist & “REMAIN” – for it is that which needs to be “COMPLETELY DISMANTLED”, “REVAMPED” & “REBUILT” from the ground up & not from the “TOP DOWN”!!!

    Changing one “BAD LEADER” for “ANOTHER” without “ASSAULTING” the “POST-COLONIAL EFFIGY” of “LANDOWNERSHIP”, “PREDATORY CAPITALIST INSTITUTIONS”, “ALBINO-CENTRIC RULE & WAGE SLAVE EARNERS” & the “BACK-DOOR LEVERS OF POWER” in a nation, will only prove an exercise in futility – or as is often cited: “PISSING IN THE WIND WITH HURRICANE FORCE WINDS KICKBACK”!!!

  9. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    The calypso art form cannot improve with its present format. One suspects that we are looking for quantity and not quality. Calypso is like any other genre of music; it is extremely sophisticated.
    One will still dance to Grynner’s Bajan Yankee and Sparrow’s Jean and Dinah , after all these years. Gabby’s Jack proves the point. It’s about quality, good writing ; the music and delivery should blend.
    Question : Who remembers or has recently heard the tune of the crop from 2023? Who will remember the tune of the crop from 2024 ?
    The festival must find a way to return to its historical roots; it should be a community based festival that incorporates all the communities.
    If it is currently designed for fete only and politicians jumping up on the stage it will be nothing more than fete.
    But we like it so, apparently.

  10. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    @ David

    “You must be careful to filter hyperbole from what is real…”

    I often “JOKE” with my family, especially “WIFEY*”, & the other members of my own house, that according to my “PRECIOUS GRANDMOTHERS” (both of them) – to quote them: “I WENT TO SCHOOL IN AUGUST AT THE STAND PIPE” & when I did go it was to eat everybody’s lunch!!!

    THAT WAS THE BAD-BOY IMAGE – PORTRAYED WAY BACK IN THE 1960s & 70s!!!

    Today, as a “REFORMED ADDICT* & MULE*” (a cross between a “BUCKING BLACK STALLION* & A JACKASS”) – I have come to learn some important “TRUTHS”:

    (1) I have never been influenced by “ANYONE EVER” including the “HERD” (crowd)
    (2) I have always had an “INDEPENDENT MIND” as far back as school days – for when Headmaster Wellington of Foundation School wanted to “CUT MY ARSE” with his bamboo – I told him “POINT BLANK” – #IGineHome in my early British Accent & so I did – with “GRANDMA” getting a phone call within minutes way back in the 70s, that if she didn’t come to the school I would be “EXPELLED”!!!
    (3) I have lived by my own “RULES” (UNTIL I MEET JESUS CHRIST ON THE ROAD OF DAMASCUS) – that’s when everything in my life changed – for had “HE” not granted me a “DIVINE INTERVENTION” I would have been a “JACKAL” or to quote my 18 yrs old grandson “A CEREAL KILLER”!!! (#WhatASenseOfHumour)
    (4) For those people who truly know me (AKA WIFEY* et al) they “ALL” have one thing that is (“COMMON 2 ALL OF ‘EM) – “You cannot influence the GUY*) for he is gonna’ do what he believes in though the heavens fall!!!

    Now that you have a “BIRD’S EYE VIEW” of your beloved Big Bruh – I appreciate your candour & admonition – however, “POLYTRICKS” may be an “ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE” amongst my “DOUBLE FIRST DEGREES” but I am broken-hearted to say that I do NOT* care “ONE HOOT” about #PoLIEtics or the “GOOD FOLKS” who push their own “AGENDA” for whatever the “REASONS”!!! There’s a better world coming & I intend to be a “MAJOR PART OF IT”!!!

    I believe in “THEOCRACY”>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    The “GOVERNMENT OF HEAVEN” is what I long for & “YEARN FOR” – all else is like a “CANDLE IN THE WIND”!!!

    What I wrote on Marcia Weekes Podcast is what I will repeat here:

    “RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A NATION – SIN IS A REPROACH TO ANY PEOPLE” – FOR WHERE THERE IS NO VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH…”

    #TakeFromAllThatWhatUWill

  11. David Avatar
    David

    @William

    The technicians and so called experts will say to you culture evolves whatever that means.

  12. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “so called experts will say to you culture evolves whatever that means.”

    one generation must give way to the next and the world moves on and so forth..

    the crop over children have become parents and grandparents in last 50 years

  13. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    WHILE 50 YEARS OF #CropOver (WHATEVER THAT MEANS) HAS BEEN CELEBRATED – 462 YEARS AFTER THE MASS INCARCERATION & DISEMBOWELING OF THE BLACK FAMILY – LEAVING THE PSYCHIC SCARS EVIDENCED WITHIN SO-CALLED BLACK CULTURE

    In the “DOCU-SERIES” by Dr David Olusoga, on the “SAVAGERY” of the “TRANS ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE” & the BRITISH FAMILIES” who made “BILLIONS” off the backs of our “FOREBEARS” – he highlighted to Prof. Hilary Beckles, an instance where a “BLACK SLAVE” was so mercilessly beaten by another “SLAVE” & as he lay on the ground bleeding to death – “MASSA” asked the “WHIPPER” to take down his pants & “SHIT IN HIS MOUTH”!!!

    LET THAT GRAPHIC IMAGE BE ETCHED ON YOUR MIND!!!

    For those who want to “JUSTIFY” some “BOGUS CROPOVER” celebration to “WUKK-UP” & do all kinds of “VAINGLORIOUS MADNESS” – anesthetized to what our “ANCESTORS” had to undergo, can frankly, do what the “HELL” they want but not in the name of those who “SUFFERED” untold violence (something that “SHAME” all of us)!!!

    I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO CROPOVER & NEVER WILL AS I HAVE 2 MANY REMINDERS OF MY FORBEARS (THEN) & (NOW)…

    So #MottleyCrew & “POSSE” of “DEVILS” can go “PISS-OFF” somewhere else & leave the “ENLIGHTENED FEW” to get on with the business of “LIVING MEANINGFUL, PRODUCTIVE LIVES”!!!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ric6TpU46s

  14. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    This is SOOOO obvious!!

    Like EVERYTHING ELSE in Brassbados, we have seen these clueless family, buddies, friends and lackies with Phd’s being put to head key activities. The inevitable RESULTS have CONSISTENTLY reflected mediocrity, nepotism and lack of accountability.

    Particularly in a small country like ours, it is CRITICAL that the TRULY TALENTED are SOUGHT OUT, REFINED with experience – and then ALLOWED to exercise these key roles WITHOUT petty micro-management from ‘know-it-alls’.

    ANOTHER key problem comes from the lack of accountability for poor performance – since these ‘leaders’ are ALL known to be handpicked associates of the micro-manager, and as we are overwhelmed with ‘donkey-lickers’ for politicians and policy-makers, NOT A BOY has the balls to complain.

    It is hard Enuff to be successful, even when we appoint our VERY BEST TALENTS, to lead these complex national activities such as sports, culture, housing, transportation etc. So as it is now, it is no wonder that NOTHING is working well – or even showing any signs doing so…

    What a place
    What a curse

  15. David Avatar
    David

    The festival needs to be anchored in community centric activity. We accept that it is a cash cow for the national economy but we need to ensure crop over is inclusive. Has it morphed to a fete fete event now?

  16. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ David
    Crime evolves as well.
    There are cultural events worldwide that have not abandoned their historical roots and we know of populations of less than 30, 000 that attracts over 100 000 tourists each year to a festival that has not changed in over 100 years. The populations are so small that the places where they are held cannot even accommodate 1000 visitors. The visitors stay 10 miles away from the town but the numbers do not drop. Once a year craft people in such places make enough money to sustain themselves , their art and the culture.
    Evolution never meant that you discard or foolishly eliminate the foundations of your culture ; you develop other festivities that also can be considered what you call the evolving/emerging culture.
    Finally, developing a national festival on what we think tourists may or may not like is pure foolishness. Getting drunk and enjoying oneself can also be done on the Bajan Queen or the Jolly Roger. Thats just drinking and dancing ; in many ways that could be considered an evolved culture but it has no historical and community significance. We are so damn backward that we spent over 150 million on Kensington and allow the Empire theatre to almost rot into oblivion. We simply don’t understand that well marketed authentic cultural presentations at a proper cultural theatre will also attract tourists, who are seeking such cultural events when they travel. A 1000/1500 seat cultural theatre will earn more foreign exchange that remains in the country than we may want to think. That’s a sure way of really exposing local artists to the local and international market.

  17. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    @ David
    It is what happens when you put incompetents in charge.

    They go around the world COPYING what they see others doing – whereas CULTURE is meant to be the CREATIVE EVOLUTION of your OWN community values, norms, dreams, strengths and its HISTORY.

    Bushie would NEVER take on such a role,
    BUT CLEARLY persons such as Adrian Green, Fingall, Maurice Greenidge and Trevor Marshall are OBVIOUS examples of the KIND of resources that SHOULD be conceptualizing a meaningful festival to commemorate the historical end-of-crop festival.

    …and then of course, you need to add those who are able to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN – with excellent results…

    But this headlong focus on the ECONOMIC benefits – to the neglect of quality and meaning, is EXACTLY what the boss bushman meant when he admonished that we should “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God (Perfection & Quality), and everything else will follow naturally”

    What a place
    What a WRONG track..
    What poor results as a result

  18. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    Good morning peoples

    Just woke to hear of the postponed Soca 5.0 and to see this
    ——————————————————————–

    “The National Cultural Foundation advises that after meetings with key stakeholders the official start of Flow Grand Kadooment will now be at 11 a.m.

    We are aware that some revelers are already on the road and in place at the Helipad in Bridgetown therefore all systems are a go for this epic climax of Crop Over 50.

    #NCFBarbados #50YearsOfCropOver #LoveCropOver #CropOver2024 #CropOver #SeasonOfEmancipation #Barbados
    25m”
    ———————————————————————-
    Given last year’s Grand Kadooment fiasco I hope the revelers have a good time and get down the road before it’s too dark. My heart goes out to the vendors who have clearly made significant losses between Friday and today.

    Hooray for 50 year of Crop Over

    Just observing

  19. David Avatar
    David

    @Bush Tea

    You know the answer, bills have to be paid. Rabid consumption habits have to be attended.

  20. David Avatar
    David

    We have the opportunity to have cricket, road tennis, netball competitions, arts and craft villages throughout the festival where visitors and locals can frequent outside of Bridgetown market.

    Calypso (karaoke) shows and competitions.

    Competitions featuring Bajan dishes and delicacies etc.

  21. David Avatar
    David

    What about featuring homes and buildings that showcase local building features. Our oral historians etc.

  22. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ David
    August 5, 2024 at 9:40 AM

    Absolutely brilliant !!!

  23. Hants Avatar
    Hants

  24. David Avatar
    David

    A reminder, a baseline, a jump off. Listen carefully.

    https://youtu.be/UXkP_ACgBiw?si=WkhEmOIz7xzGtGge

  25. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    now streaming on You Tube.

    Grand Kadooment: August 05th, 2024

  26. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    At the risk of being utterly condemn by the One Caribbean firsters like William Adolphus Skinner.

    Weee dare say that it’s not an easy thing to keep recreating the same thing every year for fifty years.

    Even less no once it gets as tired as has Trinidad Carnival.

    Or indeed, most of the carnivals throughout the world.

    Certainly, it must be vastly more difficult by a Bajan people long separated from a deeper historical memory, festering within a culture penetrated by others every minute of every day, and where Whiteness is the raison dete of most.

    Maybe it’s time to revisit this Peter Morgan started public relations exercise as promotion for the tourism business, the hotels owners of which he was one, during the low season.

    Inevitably, these pantomimes quickly become jaded, shown empty of endurance substance and creativity.

  27. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    “They go around the world COPYING what they see others doing – whereas CULTURE is meant to be the CREATIVE EVOLUTION of your OWN community values, norms, dreams, strengths and its HISTORY”

    Sometimes I wonder if you have access to my private thoughts. Sometimes I look at parts of our culture and I am unable to fit them to the Barbados that I grew up with.

    I try to learn the when, where and how of a part’s origin and quite often I come to the conclusion that it is invented for the consumption of tourists or it is borrowed.

    Tourism does that to you. It forces the islands to look at their neighbors and become nothing more than a bunch of mimic men, borrowing, copying and modifying their ‘successful tourist gimmicks’.

    I have not read any Naipaul, but he has a book by the name ‘The Mimic Men’. Did he have that clarity of vision?

  28. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    God just spoke to me on the bubbling telephone chalice and s/he asked me to pass this message on to you from her/him.

    Bajans should get out of their heads and into their bodies and not be so serious and should have some fun in life. They should sing and dance more and make love listening to baby making music to multiply their numbers.

  29. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    Today, as global stock markets plummet. As nuclear war beckons. As Bushie’s Boss Man appears to be giving let for the forces to gather at Armageddon, near Syria

    A lot a merrymaking has found those who, must be of necessity, the cannon fodder for the fires attracting the heat held by the surface of the Sun.

    What other day than this must better represent Her giving and taking all which has been for 5 billion.

    Iran justifiably set to deliver the death knell to the Zionist usurper.

    Western armies gathered on the ramparts of the Eupherties with their antiquated aircraft carriers and useless anti-missiles systems.

    Palestinian people in their hundreds of thousands giving their life’s blood to appease Goddess, to no avail.

    Russia’s most modern devices buttressing the already substantial militaries of Iran, Ansurallah, Hezbollah, Hamas, Syria and resistance fighters from Iraq.

    The criminal Zionist and their colonial forebearers intent to extend institution Whiteness but failing.

    But displaying a propensity to resort to nuclear weapons in such pursuits, on this occasion no doubt.

    Well, at daggers drawn, any number could play. But the carnival barkers won’t have a clue!

  30. David Avatar
    David

    Nation EDITORIAL 6 Aug 2024

    CROP OVER 2024 reached an exciting climax yesterday as thousands of revellers participated in Flow Grand Kadooment.

    This was no ordinary Crop Over, with the festival celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It is a significant contributor to economic activity. That is no secret. The mystery is exactly how much revenue and gross domestic product it generates for the country.

    Previous studies concluded that Crop Over contributes between $80 million and $100 million for the economy annually. It is long past time for new research to be undertaken so that an updated figure can be determined. A lot of the economic activity generated by the festival relates to tourism and its spin-off benefits for other sectors. Barbadians will get a sense of how much this was in 2024 when the Central Bank’s next economic report is issued in October.

    Last year’s third-quarter review from the Central Bank stated that a full return to Crop Over festivities helped fuel the continued recovery in the tourism sector, including attracting more Caribbean visitors. Additionally, spillovers from tourism and the Crop Over Festival pushed wholesale and retail trade up by 5.2 per cent. Overall, however, we are all generally in the dark about Crop Over’s full economic contribution.

    Some CARICOM countries seem to have a better grasp of their carnivals’ economic returns. On February 24, soon after the conclusion of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, that country’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts published the Carnival 2024 Report. It revealed that visitor expenditure for the Carnival period was conservatively estimated to be US$94.2 million.

    The report said that based on the multiplier effect, the injection of US$94.2 million into the economy expectedly created a ripple effect that stimulated economic activity in many other sectors. It added that data on overall spending on Carnival activities and revenue generated from private fetes and parties held throughout the period were unavailable at this time and would take a significant study to determine the economic impact of the Carnival.

    Barbados, too, would have to conduct a major study to determine Crop Over’s full economic impact, but surely there must be a way to at least show the tourism impact in dollars and cents – even if it is an initial estimate.

    In Jamaica, the Ministry of Tourism estimated that Carnival week there generated more than US$32.2 million in revenue. A ministry official explained that when government taxes and contributions related to ground transportation operators, hairdressers, barbers, costume designers, production teams, party promoters, food and drink suppliers, vendors, restaurants, private security and other activity were calculated, the economic contribution to Jamaica’s economy would be greater.

    In Brazil, the National Confederation of Commerce estimated that Carnival 2024 generated US$1.84 billion, a ten per cent increase over last year.

    There is too much expertise at the Central Bank, the Barbados Statistical Service, Ministry of Finance, National Cultural Foundation, Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Ministry of Culture and the University of the West Indies for us to continue guessing what Crop Over’s real economic contribution is. Barbados must do a better job measuring it and therefore be better able to fully exploit its economic potential.

  31. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Crop Over goes back more than 50+ years, back to slavery plantation days.

    As a side note rap music is 50+ years old when DJ Kool Herc played just the breakdown portion of records during a small party in the Bronx
    New York.10 Aug 2023

  32. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Typical misguided editorial by the Nation, that defines the ‘success’ of a National Festival in purely money terms.

    This is how a ‘Pimp’ thinks.

    Put Quality, Community and history FIRST….
    ..and the financial gains would be uncountable….

    What blindness
    What a place

  33. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    @ Bush Tea. Community.

  34. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    @ Bush Tea,

    “What blindness
    What a place”

    At this minute, Little England seems a safer and more joyous location than the mother country which seems to be going through a period of ethnic fratricide. I may have to make the most of my Barbadian citizenship. Perhaps the irritable DJ from London may be forced to join me as it looks like England has reached its level of excepting and tolerating minority groups. The Muslims and the white Anglo-Saxon tribes are in open contention with each other. Both groups deserve each other.

    This is why I have always argued that Barbados should not be encouraging these two groups into their country irrespective if they come as tourists or migrants.

  35. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Within days of the riots occurring the UK justice system has reacted with speed. Hint to Mia and her legal buddies.

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13714211/Rioters-face-justice-riots-britain.html

  36. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Brucelee Almightee

  37. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/aug/06/why-is-anti-immigrant-sentiment-on-the-rise-in-canada-video

  38. David Avatar
    David

    @TLSN

    Can a Barbados society be defined as multicultural to compare to Blighty? Isn’t this the breeding ground for the kind of polarization being observed?

  39. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    TLSN

    Answer these questions / Psychometric tests

    1. When did you come to UK
    2. Where did you grow up
    3. How many fights have you had

    they imply how much you know racism and Brit mindset
    if you didn’t grow up here you know jack shit about either

    first generation black brown youths were soft until they became hard
    you learn to fight the racist whites

    King Tubby, Prince Jammy & Scientist – First, Second & Third Generation of Dub

  40. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    At this minute, Little England seems a safer and more joyous location than the mother country which seems to be going through a period of ethnic fratricide. I may have to make the most of my Barbadian citizenship.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Bushie has long been warning B Bowls in the diaspora of the NEED to keep in contact with the Rock.
    Wunna fellows like Hants. Dribbles, NorthernO, and your good self, SHOULD have taken note and, ….just like most of the minority groups on the Rock have established alternate ‘arrangements’ in Canada etc, – WUNNA should be ready at a moments notice to fly south…

    One has to be deeply in love with money – in order to make the sacrifice to live among demons who hate your donkeys…. But things WILL get hot as money loses its lustre….

    Brassbados may be BEYOND sensible imagination, but um is home….

  41. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    IS YOUR MONEY SAFE IN THE BANKS? ARE THESE THE RUMBLINGS OF THE PREDICTED STOCK MARKET CRASH? HOW BIG IS THE BUBBLE & HOW MUCH PUSS WILL SQUIRT OUT? WHO WILL BE PUKEING UP SLUDGE WHEN EVERYTHING GOES TO HELL?

    I will be amongst the first out the blocks to watch “ROME BURN”!!!

    #StayTuned

  42. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    THE WORLD IS ON THE BRINK! ALL THE KING’S HORSES & ALL THE KING’S MEN ARE CIRCLING THE WAGONS FOR A MAJOR GLOBAL GIGANTIC WAR!

    https://threeworldwars.com/

    #WhoSurvives???

  43. The OG Avatar
    The OG

    Looks as if I have to be nicer to some folks.
    If the market crashes, I can see that a few closed door and a good cussing will be what I get from a few here.

    000 (my hero), you have a non-smoking room? I don’t want second hand smoke. I bet you love Snoop Dog and Willie…

  44. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    KING ABDULLAH OF JORDAN UP SCHITT CREEK WITHOUT A PADDLE AS IRAN FACES OFF AGAINST THE KINGDOM – WITH THE POWDER-KEG IN THE MIDDLE EAST ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE “GUY FAWKES DAY” VERY SOON

    Everything is seriously goin’ 2 “HELL” in a “PAN-CART” & as always, “GUESS WHO’S PUSHING”???

    #LookUP*

  45. It can worse than you think Avatar
    It can worse than you think

    Trinidad should not complain about fake Venezuelan doctors especially dentists.
    Years ago, just before going to the US, I had a filling from a Trinidadian dentist. I was walking the streets of Gainesville (FL) and the filling fell out.

    Seriously, it took me a few minutes to understand and a few minutes to believe what was happening. You wouldn’t want to hear my full and honest opinion about T&T.

  46. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    AMERIKKKA WILL BE HUMBLED IN THIS UPCOMING GIGANTIC WAR! WILL THE US MILITARY BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE AXIS OF EASTERN BLOC NATIONS? CHINESE MILITARY ALONE IS THE FIERCEST PHENOMENON ON EARTH – ADD DANGEROUS NORTH KOREA TO THE MIX; IRAN & RUSSIA TO THE QUADRILATERAL POLYGONIC MILITARY STRUCTURE & WE HAVE MUTUALLY ASSURED DESTRUCTION (M.A.D[ness]) EVERYWHERE

    Again, #WhoSurvives???

  47. Terence M Blackett Avatar
    Terence M Blackett

    THE PETRO-DOLLAR IS ABOUT 2 COLLAPSE AS BRICS NATIONS ARE JOINING FORCES TO CRASH THE US DOLLAR ONCE & FOR ALL! GOD HELP THOSE NATIONS THAT ARE PEGGED TO A CURRENCY THAT IS ON LIFE-SUPPORT! THE CHESSBOARD OF PLAYERS IN THE WEST WOULD RATHER START #WW3 & CRASH THE WORLD ECONOMY THAN TO LET CHINA ET AL HAVE FINANCIAL SUPREMACY ON THE EARTH!

    One of my “FAV” futurist thinkers believe that we are now on the “BRINK” of a “BRAVE NEW WORLD” that will be like nothing we have ever been able to imagine!!!

    Again, #LookUP*

  48. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    https://nationnews-brb.newsmemory.com/landing.php

  49. Cuhdear Bajan Avatar
    Cuhdear Bajan

    https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2023/august/human-ancestors-may-have-almost-died-out-ancient-population-crash.html

    “The scientists estimate that there would have only been an effective population size of around 1,280 individuals between 930,000 and 813,000 years ago, suggesting the presence of a bottleneck. While that doesn’t mean this was the entire population, only this number successfully bred and passed on their genes to the next generation. Such a low population size would have posed problems for humans, making it more likely that they would become extinct.”

    And yet we are all still here.

    If at some time there were as few as 1280 of us, then we are all one human family and we should start behaving like family.

  50. Pachamama Avatar
    Pachamama

    President Raisi, the former Iranian president, died in an helicopter crash a couple months ago.

    The Persians, an ancient people known for governance systems et al, have since had elections and have just installed a new President Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon.

    Indeed, it was his attendance at the installation of such a new president in Tehran that Hamas political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated by America and its Zionist foil.

    These are the circumstances which have the world deep within an existential crisis.

    But it follows an historical trend. For World War One was ignited with the murder archduke Franz Ferdinand.

The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.

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