Crop Over is our choice to be inspired, exulted, free. And safe.

As the curtains drew to a close on what some have hailed as Crop Over’s great comeback, an unfortunate eruption of violence marred the conclusion of this grand, post-COVID celebration. Amid the revelry of masqueraders joyfully chipping along Black Rock Main Road and countless onlookers immersed in the spectacle, an utterly senseless shooting abruptly shattered the atmosphere, scattering the crowd.

Four individuals now find themselves recovering from injuries sustained during the chaos. The implications of this incident could have been far graver, and while we refrain from dwelling on the potential for more dire consequences, our thoughts remain with the injured, hoping for their swift healing.

Recalling the horror of the fatal August 2017 shooting during Grand Kadooment on the then Spring Garden Highway, which took one life and caused injuries to 20 others, we ardently wished that history would not repeat itself.

It should be unequivocal that weapons, especially firearms, hold no place within our streets, let alone at a cherished national event like Grand Kadooment. This annual occasion is the very beacon of national unity, embracing our culture and heritage. The ramifications of such violent occurrences extend beyond the immediate peril; they endanger our paramount cultural gathering, undermine our tourism-reliant economy, and devastate the livelihoods of bandleaders, designers, vendors and countless others who depend on this national festivity.

Our image as hosts is undoubtedly tarnished when law and order are disregarded, especially in front of the global audience that tunes in to witness our national spectacle. It’s heartening to acknowledge the prompt response of the Barbados Police Service and the Barbados Defence Force, along with Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce’s revelation that the responsible parties will soon face justice. The seizure of several weapons during the festival is also an encouraging step, and we eagerly await further updates.

Yet, our collective focus must be unwaveringly dedicated to preventing violence from becoming a recurring theme in Crop Over, or any other period, on the island.

Despite the spectre of gun-related crime, Crop Over 2023 resounded with vibrancy, reclaiming its energy two years after being overshadowed by the pandemic.

Amidst a somewhat cautious return last year, this edition saw an abundance of evidence that Barbadians fully embraced the revitalized amalgamation of local entertainment and culture. The success was palpable through packed events, both national and private, many of which were sold out. The music flourished, and the atmosphere buzzed with activities, providing citizens with a respite from daily strains while granting entrepreneurs—hairdressers, barbers, nail technicians, caterers, vendors, taxi operators, and more—an avenue to earn a livelihood.

A round of applause is certainly due for iWeb, the four-time Calypso Monarch, as well as all the Pic-O-De-Crop contestants, whose rhythmic melodies and witty picong resonated with a captivated audience at the new amphitheatre in the National Botanical Gardens. The crescendo of entertainment reached its pinnacle at Soca 4.0 and culminated in yesterday’s awe-inspiring Grand Kadooment parade. Kudos to the team at the National Cultural Foundation.

Of course, Crop Over rarely concludes without raising debates. Conversations have revolved around the return to the old Grand Kadooment route, with surprising calls from some corners advocating for a reversion to the Warrens Highway, despite the resounding public opposition last year. Ultimately, the decision lies with the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) and its stakeholders, whose next move we await with curiosity. If the people who spoke to Barbados TODAY are any gauge, we suggest this year’s return to the original route is a keeper.

This year, the delayed start of bands on the road prompted frustration among both masqueraders and onlookers. While intermittent showers likely played a role, the NCF and stakeholders must examine ways to enhance the parade’s flow. Another prominent topic of discussion has been the music selection during the parade. Valid complaints have emerged, pointing to an overabundance of Trinidadian music and a lack of local flavour. If artists invest their creativity and resources into crafting season-specific music, they deserve equitable airplay during our nation’s festival. This imbalance necessitates correction.

As we cast our gaze toward 2024, our aspiration remains steadfast: the preservation and promotion of Barbadian culture. While the major fetes shine brightly, the significance of art shows, Bridgetown Market, Pandemonium and its twin event, the Pan Lime, and similar events should not be diminished. These avenues narrate our story in distinct ways, offering citizens and visitors alike the chance to derive substantial benefits. In safeguarding and cherishing these elements, we can continue to shape the essence of Crop Over and show generations to come that they too, must be a better version of who we were – inspired, exulted, free.