AFTER 12 YEARS of energising communities across the island, Crop Over Cavalcades have come to an end because of the economic downturn.
The Cavalcades, which started with shows in all 11 parishes in 2002 but gradually dwindled to three events last season, have been cancelled as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), producer of the Crop Over Festival, has cut back and revised its calendar in the 40th year of the festival.
Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley said yesterday that in light of the prevailing economic conditions, it was necessary for Government to operate in a more efficient manner by applying certain budgetary cuts.
“The NCF has been no exception to that rule,” he said, noting the foundation had decided to use the same venue wherever possible for multiple events, positioning the Pic-O-De-Crop finals at Kensington Oval or the Gymnasium – whichever is less costly – and dropping the Cavalcades.