Street parade on Emancipation Day no follow pattern, no disrespect

Moseley instead has argued that having another day of Kadooment is a positive step in the right direction.

 

“Kadooment Day started in 1974 and it was 100 people going around in a circle in Pommarine. Did it stay that way? No, it evolved. Crop Over is evolving. There is a huge industry. It brings massive amounts of foreign exchange into Barbados.” 

 

“Right now, 85 percent of our registration is foreigners and at the end of the day what they are telling us is now instead of leaving on the Tuesday, they are staying a whole extra week in Barbados. So we see it as something that is very positive for Barbados. We see it as growth to the festival and natural procession. It is not so much a follow fashion but it is trying to do something for Barbados. It is 100 percent Bajan and that is how we intend to keep it.” 

 

His comments came while speaking this publication on the side-lines of Friday’s press conference at the Banks Visitor Centre. At this event, Day Two was announced. This street parade will be held on Tuesday, August 2nd, Emancipation Day along the Ermie Bourne Highway.

 

Furthermore, Moseley dismissed the notion that having Day Two on Emancipation Day is disrespectful. 

 

“Our theme is freedom. Bussa is our first named national hero, he fought against the status quo for freedom and we are free and what better way do Barbadians express their freedom than at Crop Over. So we think that this expression of freedom to give ourselves a second day is absolutely appropriate and it is absolutely in line with the national heroes that have come before us.” 

 

He added, “We have a lot of respect for emancipation. We have a lot of respect for the heroes so we don’t see it as being in conflict at all with Emancipation Day. Crop Over, all carnivals, there are all expression of freedom and what is Emancipation Day if not a reflection of freedom.”