Left: Linda Christian-Clarke from the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) shares a joke with Honorary Consul to Barbados Winston Bayley at the press launch of "Follow Me To Crop Over", to be held in Barbados from July 8 to August 7. The launch took place at The Courtleigh Auditorium, St. Lucia Avenue, New Kingston, last Friday. Right: Members of the Ife Moke Jumbies tuk band performing at the press launch of Crop Over 2006. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
BAJANS INVADED Kingston last Friday as they presented the details of Crop Over 2006. The most revered and talked about festival from the Eastern Caribbean powerhouse, will run from July 8 to August 7 this year, and as usual, promises plenty of fun. Guests were treated to sights and sounds of the beautiful island.
The Barbados Tourism Authority and the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados presented an attractive looking package both for travel agents and island-hoppers. The festivities have started already with cavalcades going around Barbados. The official Crop Over festivities include Junior Calypso Monarch finals on July 15, Pan In De City, a week later, Pic-O-De-Crop Finals on August 4 and the Grand Kadooment on August 7.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
The Bajans also took the opportunity to update everyone on the latest developments in their island's tourist facilities. All-star resorts, such as the Mango Bay Resort, have had major renovations, while new hotel chains including Le Meridien, will be inhabiting Bajan soil soon. Added to all that, the upgrading of Kensington oval in preparation for next year's Cricket World Cup and there's much going on in the land of the flying fish.
Guests who left their cards at the registration booth had the chance to win trips to the island, staying at some of the aforementioned establishments. Travel agents will be pleased to know that a cash prize of US$500 will go to the top agent in each of the seven territories for the most bookings up to December 15.
From that seven, the top one will also receive a four-day, three-night getaway to the island. The top travel agency, which books the most vacations for the Intimate Hotels of Barbados group will get an all-expense paid vacation as well as other prizes.
In the time of slavery, Crop Over celebrated the end of the sugar cane harvest and slaves and owners all jumped together. That celebration died down but in 1973, officials from the Barbados Board of Tourism decided the island needed something to boost summer occupancy and attract tourists. They reintroduced the festival, gave it more of a carnival atmosphere and, well, you know the rest.
