Crop Over highs and lows
August 8, 2023
Officials convened in a briefing meeting as Grand Kadooment, the finale of Crop Over 2023, concluded. The event faced challenges, including a shooting that caused a diversion for the last bands. Despite delays due to rain, many participants still enjoyed the experience.
Officials were last night locked in a briefing meeting as Grand Kadooment, the climax of Crop Over 2023, came to a close.
Commissioner of Police Richard Boyce, National Cultural Foundation (NCF) chief executive officer Carol Roberts, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force Commodore Errington Shurland and director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds were among those meeting at the police command centre at Exmouth Gap, along the Mighty Grynner Highway.
Meanwhile, the last bands were forced to divert in Eagle Hall, turning at President Kennedy Drive and then onto the Mighty Grynner Highway. The diversion occurred after a shooting around 6:15 p.m. in Black Rock caused the road to be cordoned off and all of the bands still in the distance found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Four people were reported injured and a person was in police custody assisting.
Grand Kadooment’s return to the old route from Massey Dome in Warrens, along Green Hill, Codrington Road, Station Hill and then Bank Hall though Eagle Hall to Black Rock and the Mighty Grynner Highway, tossed up a mixed bag for revellers.
The jump was delayed by heavy rain as a tropical wave affected the island and the first band was on the road well after the scheduled start, but for many, it was still a fantastic experience. (Nation News)
