Former Minister Stephen Lashley Pays Tribute to Richard Stoute, Calls for Continued Support of Youth Talent Competition

The following tribute is from former Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley:

As former Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth it was inevitable and necessary that my path would have met that of Richard Stoute who we sadly lost earlier today.

His contribution to the development of entertainment and especially our youth is best recalled through the Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition which has been the foundation for the success of so many of our young artistes.

It is through this developmental initiative that many of our most accomplished performers first found their way to the stage.

He was relentless in his efforts to ensure that this competition survived and as then Minister I felt proud to support the important work that this great Barbadian was doing.

But in addition to working with our youth, Richard has himself made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry through his golden voice in songs such as The best part of my day and Any day now.

I personally enjoy these songs and found it necessary at times when these songs were being played on the radio to telephone Richard and reminisce with him.

I do believe that the best and most lasting tribute we can pay to Richard Stoute is for Government and the private sector to establish an appropriate funding mechanism, perhaps a trust fund in addition to the funding that comes from the already established Arts and Sports Promotion Fund to ensure the future hosting of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition each year.

His contribution to Barbados has been outstanding and I wish to place on record my total appreciation of this son of our soil and the way he has consistently inspired us all through the years.

On my own behalf and that of my family I extend sincere condolences to his family, his colleagues in the entertainment sector and his friends. May he Rest In Peace