New Initiatives for Crop Over 2013

Crop Over has something in it for everyone and this was confirmed when a number of initiatives were announced at the Crop Over Breakfast Show on Monday, November 26, 2012 at Hilton Barbados.

Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Hon. Stephen Lashley stated that among the initiatives is a Crop Over Preview show; a free Crop Over Opening Gala for people of all ages; Pan In De City and Cruise; as well as pan yard limes. In addition, a Sweet Soca semifinal with a live band; improved lighting and additional toilet facilities for Foreday Morning Jam; more educational workshops for calypsonians and the relocation of the folk concert from the Queen’s Park Steel Shed to Frank Collymore Hall.

Minister Lashley told the sponsors and stakeholders at the Crop Over Breakfast Show that the 2012 festival was a “phenomenal success”.

“For 2013, we will continue to build on the excitement of the festival. The Crop-Over Opening Gala will now be a completely free event. In 2012 it was free only to children; in 2013 it will be free to everyone”.

“We are planning a new event to kick off Crop-Over 2013. Following the Cavalcades we are planning what we call a Crop-Over Preview and that is an event that will climax the Cavalcades and will truly provide a taste of what is in store for Crop-Over 2013,” he said.

Minister Lashley also expressed that one of the biggest growing events Soca Royale had seen more than 13,000 patrons and Pan Fusion, Pan Pun De Sand and the gospel concert have also seen an increase in patronage.

The National Cultural Foundation officials were also analysing ways to “improve the route” for the Foreday Morning Jam, not ruling out the possibility of a longer stretch to jump. Based on requests as well, Minister Lashley said the Sweet Soca semis would now be judged with a live band, will be shifted from LIME Wildey to the Party Stand and auditors from PriceWaterhouse would be on board from the outset.

The minister further indicated they would be working closely with the party promoters to revamp the approvals process that saw many of them complaining last year about procedures that forced cancellations. In addition, the minister is hoping to have separate applications for the police, fire, VAT and such agencies for promoters to be done into “one seamless process.”

Moreover, there will be additional workshops among judges and calypsonians. There will also be workshops for pan with the introduction of the pan yard lime concept, where the public will be able to see rehearsals and preparations for main events, the minister said.

Minister Lashley stated that he looked forward to an even more successful Crop Over 2013 and to enjoying all the events with everyone involved.