Barbados Today

Grand Kadooment will definitely be bigger and better this year, says Adisa Aja Andwele who has been coordinating the event for the past eight years.

During a recent press launch at Republic Bank’s Broad Street headquarters, he also praised the commercial bank for agreeing to be title sponsor for the second year in a row.

“Republic Bank understands the role they have to pay in the cultural development and social development of Barbados. Kadooment is all about the big finale. If it goes well, the visitors leave Barbados thinking that this festival was a success, so the finale has to be big,” Aja said.

This year a total of 30 bands – including two from the French island of Guadeloupe – will be participating.

“So Crop Over is bigger,” said Aja, emphasizing that “this year [there] is the largest amount of registered bands we’ve had for the last eight years”.

Sean Husain, the Republic Bank general manager, corporate and commercial, pledged the company’s continued commitment to the development of the national festival, Crop Over.

“For the first time last year, we [Republic Bank] assisted the NCF [the National Cultural Foundation] with injecting new life into the apogee of this much anticipated and important aspect of our social calendar as the title sponsor of the Republic Bank Grand Kadooment. This commitment also ensured that as a socially responsible corporate citizen we not only ensure continuation, but we breathe new life into the art of costume making, which is an integral component of this festival.

“We seek to add value and to better the communities in which we operate as well as to ensure that Republic Bank Grand Kadooment 2016 is even more successful as we celebrate our culture and showcase our pride during this, our golden anniversary of independence,” he added.

CEO of the NCF Cranston Browne said he was feeling good about this year’s music and vibe.

He also took the time to address recent threats circulating social media saying, “They were some concerns made, but we have met with the Royal Barbados Police Force and they have reassured us that they have everything under control and in place to make sure we have a safe Crop Over, so we are working closely with them and assisting them wherever necessary,” he added.