THERE WILL BE NO Roberts Manufacturing truck this Kadooment Day.

But all is not lost for those who have been jumping behind the truck over the last decade, as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has undertaken to put a revellers' truck on the road.

The NCF's corporate communication specialist Penny Gomez said Roberts Manufacturing's decision was not made under police duress.

"Roberts Manufacturing has been doing it out of courtesy every year, and it is in no way as a result of the police not authorising it. It is their decision.

"However, they will be still sponsoring the Foreday Morning Jump-Up and for the first time they will bring a truck for Junior Kadooment," she said, adding she could give no details on the route of that truck, but the event needed that kind of impetus.

Gomez said all concerned parties would be working together to ensure that the Kadooment bands reached the Spring Garden Highway in a timely manner.

"The bands have to commit to get down the road in a timely manner, manage their time but at the same time giving revellers time to enjoy themselves. The bandleaders, the Police Force and security will all work this year to make sure that the masqueraders can jump on the road and feel secure, and we will all try to make it on the route in a timely manner," she said.

President of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) Roger Millar said he was glad the spot had been filled by another music truck, since to take it away completely would mean absolute chaos on the road.

"At this stage it is a necessity to pick up the slack. The revellers look forward to it. Not everyone wants to pay and jump in a costume; some want to come on their own steam.

"Could you imagine what would happen with the regular bands if there was no last band for the revellers? That would be absolute chaos on the road, so I am glad that the matter has been taken care of," he said.

Efforts to reach managing director of Roberts Manufacturing, Michael Clarke, for further information proved futile. (CT/AK)