Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley is ready to work with American actor Columbus Short in developing the arts and culture in Barbados.
Speaking to a gathering Thursday night at Le Maison Michelle, home of Michelle and Guy Jenkins, Lashley said he was pleased Short was in the island as he could “have picked any other country, any other festival, any other carnival, but he chooses Barbados and the Crop Over festival”.
Telling Short he was welcomed in Barbados at any time, he said he hoped the actor appreciated the beauty of the island and its friendly people and would take back great stuff on his return home.
The minister congratulated Amanda Reifer, who enlisted Short into her band, Fantasy, for Grand Kadooment day on Monday and said he was “pleased at her vision and her team’s at transforming the way we think about developing the festival and the country.”
Reifer said the band had aligned itself with a charity to use its name to bring light to issues affecting those with HIV/AIDS.
She said Short came on board from last year, “when we reached out to him. And he didn’t hesitate, he jumped on board. I hope this is a start to forging a partnership”.
She said it wasn’t all work and no play for the actor, who will be doing workshops and other initiatives, and she encouraged him to immerse himself in “our culture and have memorable moments”.
Short, addressing the gathering, said the arrangements were made since last year for him to be a part of a HIV/AIDS event and he could not back out.
“I am a man of my word . . . and his word is all a man really has. I am going through some . . . in my life. And things are rough back home. But I made a promise to do the event and I am here.”
The actor said he would take part in Grand Kadooment since he was asked by Reifer and his status was actually a plug for the island.
“I am not in Barbados to party and have a good time. I am here for a charity event and it coincides with the Crop Over festival,” said Short.
“I have a meeting with Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley to see how we can show the talent and diversity the island has to offer. I was lucky enough to get an amazing art education. It can be done here too.
“For the two days I have been on this island I have seen a wealth of talent. Rihanna shouldn’t be the only singer this island can produce. And I am willing to put in the work so Barbados’ name will be worldwide.”
Short, who posed for photos with many, said he was upset with media reports, especially on TMZ, which twisted things and stated he just wanted to enjoy himself until he left on August 8.
The actor said he was impressed with the island, the friendly people, the food and culture and he would be looking to purchase a home here by next year.
He told the gathering, that included Bobbi McKay, executive director of the Barbados Manufacturing Association, and Sade Leon of the HIV/AIDS Commission, that he felt he “was in the right place at the right time for the right reason.”
• natangasmith@nationnews.com
