Barbadian singing superstar, Robin ‘Rihanna’ Fenty, was all smiles.
F1 champion driver, Lewis Hamilton, was on the island for Grand Kadooment.
Culture Minister, Stephen Lashley (centre), alongside some fans.
Bank Hall a hive of activity
HOT, hot, hot!
That’s the best way to describe the feeling in Bank Hall yesterday afternoon as hundreds of Barbadians and visitors to the island waited in the broiling sun to watch the bands on Kadooment Day.
By approximately 11 a.m., the first four bands had already made their way past Bank Hall, but it would take a long time for the other bands to follow.
In fact, that was one of the major peeves of the crowd, who bemoaned the lengthy gaps between bands, which many said killed the Crop Over vibe. Many also queried the constant playing of Trinidadian music and Crop Over music from previous years during the jump.
Added to the mix was the appearance of international celebrities and well-known local persons. International singing sensation Robin ‘Rihanna’ Fenty was a part of the celebrations, as well as F1 champion driver Lewis Hamilton, Minister of Public Works and Transport Michael Lashley, former Central Bank Governor Dr. DeLisle Worrell and Culture Minister Stephen Lashley.
With lots of walls and elevated spaces in the area, persons could be seen at every available vantage point, some families making a day of it with packed lunches and drinks. Others could be seen buying food from vendors, ackees, water and of course sno-cones.
One of the interesting presentations was the visiting group from Guadeloupe whose Afrocentric rhythms, produced by drums and other instruments, kept the crowd moving. Their performance, however, was interrupted when a bystander collapsed on the side of the road, prompting members to rush to his assistance. Seemingly dehydrated, the man was soon revived and transported to receive further medical attention.
By 4 p.m., the final band Power x Four Next Generation, which crossed the National Stadium, was making its way past Bank Hall. Shortly afterwards, a heavy police presence was seen on the road with officers, including members of the Mounted Branch, ensuring a path was cleared for the thousands of revellers in the band, signalling the end to the 2017 Grand Kadooment jump-up. (JH)