Festive mood in the air

Patrons enjoying a game of dominoes on a Friday night. (Pictures by Nigel Browne.)

Bandleader Betty West (left) and shop owner Glendene Bailey chatting about the season. Looking on (second from right) is Bailey’s husband Chris Gollop.

By Wendell Callender | Tue, July 03, 2012 - 11:28 AM

The festive mood of the Crop Over Festival has radiated across Barbados, even extending to the traditional rum shop. Just recently, at Glendene Bailey’s shop on the Brittons Hill main road, we witnessed this happy connection.

We visited the shop on invitation to a liming session in recognition of the birthdays of some of the customers.

The hubbub was characterized by the babblings of a few males who by the time we arrived, a little after midnight, had imbibed more than their fair share of alcoholic beverages. One of these gentlemen was clearly attracted to the ladies and even ran a commentary on their physical features which brought much laughter to the clients in the shop.

Crop Over personalities were coming and going. Among them was Betty West who is renowned for her contribution to Crop Over for decades as a masquerade bandleader. It was quite natural for her to be there since her band house is located just across the street and she has been spending many hours, going well into the night, at the band house. She was all smiles and in an upbeat mood. Needless to say, the gentlemen and even some of the ladies could be heard expressing words of praise for the great physical condition and shape the veteran band leader was showcasing.

Another Crop Over personality in the shop was Basil (Yarde), who is well known for the song Me Darling. He was there mixing quite freely among the patrons. We soon discovered that apart from socializing he was organizing a video shoot for this year’s soca offering.

The domino and card players were highly visible seated as they were in front of the shop next to the roadside. They kept their focus on their game and their wits about them even though they were having an occasional drink.

Proprietor Glendene Bailey was a gracious hostess, greeting all her patrons amicably. She told us that she has been operating at that spot for 20 years and has found pleasure in conducting business there.