Calypso artistes with popular Crop-Over 2023 songs will have their touring costs underwritten by the Government.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley made the announcement at the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes at Hayman’s Factory, St. Peter, on Saturday evening.
“I want to let them know that I have asked the National Cultural Foundation to meet with them to ensure that the government will underwrite the touring of a significant number of the artists whose music (performs) well this year, recognising that they need a platform in order to be able to continue to get expanded market share outside of Barbados, as they would have had before COVID.
“We cannot assume that because people knew them before that they will hire them today. We cannot assume that it is a level playing field because airfares have gone up significantly because of the reduced number of seats across the world after COVID and in the same way our government has helped other sectors in this economy, it is now time to help the performing artists be able to expand their earning capacity significantly, and therefore the government will work with them to ensure that they have three months of touring come post August 7 at the end of Crop-Over,” the Prime Minister said.
Saying the island was “reaping the bounty” of the extraordinary creativity of Barbadian designers, writers, musicians and craftsmen, she led the audience in saluting these individuals before officially announcing the start of the festival.
During the event, several special awards were presented to workers within the sugar industry including Halam Sargeant, Peterson Graham, Robert Eugene, Cyrilene Flemming and Candace Williams, who along with other prizes, each received a cell phone compliments Digicel, $1, 000 credit, and a weekend staycation for two at Accra Beach Hotel.
Crop Over Stalwarts Betty West, David Weatherhead, Michael Taitt, Pedro Hunte, Maurice Giles, Cavil Best, Marlon Skeete, and Trevor Chase were also honoured. (JB)
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