Republic Bank Opening Gala Free For 2013

This year’s Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited Crop Over Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes is among the FREE events on the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) official Crop Over calendar for 2013, so says its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Cranston Browne at the launch of the event held this morning at the bank’s Broad Street branch.

The NCF promises an even better experience, with a mix of some of the old to make it a fun evening for the family and some new activities to keep you glued to the main stage.

In speaking to the audience of bank officials and customers, NCF CEO, Mr. Cranston Browne named one of the upcoming cultural initiatives to be officially launched at the Gala as the Crop Over Oral History Project. He said, “The Crop Over Festival turns 40 in 2014 and as we approach the Anniversary of its rebirth, the Foundation and the National Oral History Programme have teamed up to record the accounts of those who helped to conceptualise and shape our festival through their contributions at the plantation fairs, balls, concerts and other associated events during the 70s and 80s, including those who participated in the first Grand Kadooment in 1978.”

Patrons will be able to register or express their interest at the Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited Opening Gala, but the interview process will begin in earnest at the beginning of September 2013 and will culminate in August 2015. Barbadians at home and abroad will also have an opportunity to submit their own 15-minute oral history interviews using electronic devices, smart phones or tablets.

Mr. Browne lauded the Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited for its commitment to the Festival. He remarked, “Our continued efforts to produce a successful festival and to keep developing the industry would not be possible without the support of our many sponsors. We are extremely grateful to the Republic Bank Barbados Limited for its more than a decade long partnership through which it has significantly contributed to the development of culture in Barbados and for that we offer our sincerest appreciation.”

The Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited Crop Over Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes signals the official start of the festival and is filled with all the pomp and circumstance of our island’s rich cultural heritage. Every year the historic Queen’s Park is transformed to ‘Culture Central’ where veterans share the stage with many students and graduates of the NCF’s Cultural Development Programmes in areas of music, dance, theatre and traditional cultural expressions.