No need to worry!

VENDORS WHO OPERATE on Grand Kadooment should not be disadvantaged because of the route change, says management of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).

Despite some pushback about the adjustment to the Bridgetown Market format, the NCF will continue with its plans to decentralise the arts and crafts elements, but still make accommodations for some vendors on the Mighty Grynner Highway.

Chief executive officer (CEO) Carol Roberts gave that update at the weekend following a meeting with vendors who discussed the changes being made to the two marquee Crop Over Festival events.

She recalled that they decentralised Bridgetown Market last year following feedback from craft vendors, which contributed to the decision to stage pop-ups at venues across The City.

“There was a lot of discussion on the separation of the 100 per cent art and craft [markets]. We state categorically that the NCF remains committed to the development, promotion and commercialisation of indigenous art and craft.

Concerns

“Notwithstanding the very strident and passionate requests for there to be a complete merging, we are not going to do that. We are not going to do it not from any stubborn stance, but because we have been listening for a long time to the concerns of this sub-sector of vendor,” the CEO said.

“They have reported that last year’s sales at the pop-ups we had at Independence Square, Heroes Square and Golden Square went well. The entertainment was well received, so we will maintain those arts and crafts markets in those spaces.”

Although there will be fewer stalls, Roberts said food will still be available at the pop-ups and some vendors will still be allowed on the highway.

“Instead of doing four, we will just do two and then we will also make provision for small components of small craft vendors on the Mighty Grynner Highway. There were some craft vendors who wanted to do both. We will accommodate as best as we can,” she said.

On Friday, the NCF team of senior business development officer Andre Hoyte, technical officer Jamal Cobham and administration manager Michael Hanley visited the Mighty Grynner Highway with some craft, traders, and food and beverage vendors.

They went to the Courts pasture and the Flour Mill site, which the NCF previously said the Ministry of Health advised might not be suitable for selling food and beverages.

Roberts said they wanted the vendors to see the area.

‘Reasonable assessment’

“There is still major concern about the dust, but I want them to see it for themselves, with our technical crew, and make a reasonable assessment. From the reasonable assessment we will meet again,” she said.

Some Brandons, St Michael residents, as well as the Barbados Association of Retailers, Vendors and Entrepreneurs (BARVEN), had expressed concern about the changes to Bridgetown Market.

This year there will also be some adjustments to

Grand Kadooment.

On August 5, masqueraders are expected to jump from the Helipad parking lot in Bridgetown, travel across Princess Alice Highway, Harbour Road, President Kennedy Drive, Eagle Hall, Black Rock and end at the Mighty Grynner Highway.

The traditional route saw masqueraders begin at Warrens or the National Stadium in Waterford, St Michael, and travel along Station Hill, Bank Hall, Eagle Hall, Black Rock Main Road, on to Brandons and end on the highway.

Roberts said there were also accommodations for vendors at the start of the new route.

“For Grand Kadooment, there will be vending there as well. Those vendors that would normally ply their trade in the Warrens and National Stadium areas where the jump started, we’ve made spaces to accommodate them along the new route and we will continue the discussion,” she said.

The NCF chief said vendors would again receive 50 per cent discounts and financial assistance on their electrical wiring, which was a challenge last year because of the volume of events.

“This year we are going to maintain that status quo. However, a number of stall owners complained last year that they did not get their electrical wiring in time.

“Last year was a watershed year for events. We had more events across the island for Crop Over than ever before and that put a severe strain on service providers to be able to manage and provide for all of the events. Not only [NCF] events but private events. Normally we’d charge, but this year the first 110-volt outlet will be free of charge and then you would pay for any additional,” she explained.

“As soon as you begin to map out the spaces, you can begin to run the wiring at the same time, and you can also commission the services of more than one service provider to do the wiring so that by the time you come to set up, it’s already there,” she said.

Stall spaces for all official NCF events will go on sale today. However, stall selection will be made by appointment only. Interested vendors can schedule their appointments starting today to secure their spot. (TG)

( left), pointing out to some of the vendors the pasture along the Mighty Grynner Highway which was said to be unsuitable for the selling of food and beverages. At right is NCF administration manager Michael Hanley. (GP)