Ruk-A-Tuk awards top performers

Specially invited guests gathered at the conference hall of the Public Workers Credit Union to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Ruk-A-Tuk Inc. According to Wayne “Poonka” Willock, the group stemmed from the Yoruba foundation which was formed by Elombe Mottley.

Willock noted, “They represented Barbados both locally and internationally and proved to be great ambassadors in the cultural arena of the time.” When that group became defunct some of those members wanted to continue the legacy of and Ruk-A-Tuk Inc. was formed.

They became a staple and were a familiar site at many events travelling regionally and internationally. The group have kept reinventing themselves and while the company started out as simply a band with traditional characters, it has now become a multidimensional company. The plethora of services that they provide include the provision of limbo dancers, fire eaters, pan players and clowns. Also available is tutoring in drumming, studio recording, strategic planning, translation of Spanish and French documents and emceeing in various languages. They have recently added the management of entertainment bands at various hotels in the island. There is also a philanthropic scope to their activities with charity work in the hospital, geriatric hospital and senior citizens homes included. A percussion ensemble is also among the products that they offer.

The evening of celebration for reaching this monumental milestone opened with various persons, who were pivotal to the longevity of the organisation, addressing the audience. First was leader of the opposition the Honourable Mia Mottley. However for this evening she put away her political hat as she represented her uncle, cultural historian Elombe Mottley. Other guests at the head table who addressed the gathering included Erica Watson of the Ministry of Labour. She noted, “Under the Human Resources Development programme we always recognised that the cultural industry is a critical sector for Barbados’ development. Not only because it has the potential as a significant engine of growth but also because it is the perfect complement to tourism as our cultural goods and services play an integral role in the value chain making Barbados one of the premier destinations in the world.” They have recognised the contribution of Ruk-A-Tuk Inc. to Barbados’ development and its impact, not only on the economy but also on communities and our nation’s heritage. The importance of this sector was reinforced by the General Manager of Fund Access, Esther Lord- Graham. Barbara Greenidge who was integral in the organisation of the group performing on cruise ships shared the story on how she became affiliated with the organisation. Jeffrey “Ife” Wilkinson, one of the founding members who was heavily involved in the teaching of some of the art forms shared a parts of his journey in the field.

As a member of the Small Business Association Ruk-A-Tuk Inc. have been able to capture their Cultural Industries Award twice. Their list of accomplishments include the production of two cds with tuk band music and most recently a DVD “How to Play Tuk Band Music of Barbados 101”.

Willock distributed awards to members who have contributed to the success of the organisation. Some of the awardees included honoured client Bougainvillea Hotel and Jeffrey Wilkinson, the only other original member still participating in the art form. A long service award went to Ian Griffith. Willock surprised his wife Antoinette with this commendation as well. In the category of Commitment, Integrity Professionalism and Competence awards were received by Simone Holder the sister of the late Damian Taylor; Jason Watson; Renetta Johnson; Cheryl Grazette; Heather Waldron; Winston “Cassius Clay” Yearwood; Troy Hunte; Gordon Ashby and Nikisha Wiltshire. (ST)