by YVETTE BEST

A MAJOR CROP-OVER PRODUCER is "happy like Pappy" at the changes at the top at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).

Peter Boyce of MADD Entertainment and Bacchanal Time calypso tent is thanking Government "for ending the cultural reign of tyranny of Mr Ian Estwick". "His removal from the post of NCF CEO was something that was long overdue," he added.

"I welcome Mr Vere Browne to the position of CEO of the National Cultural Foundation. In all my dealings with Mr Browne I have always found him to be an effective, no-nonsense person who achieves his objectives. His experience of working with the BIDC, coupled with being a tent manager for many years, gives him the skills that will serve him well in his new position," added Boyce in a statement.

Boyce, who produces three of Crop-Over's biggest shows, Bacchanal Time Versus The Rest, The Bacchanal Time Recording And Party Monarch Judging and Euphoria, said the meetings with the new administration had been going well and "we look forward to an amicable and productive relationship which would supersede the climate of acrimony which prevailed before at Crop-Over between Government and cultural industries".

The United Artistes of Barbados (UAB), another major player in the festival, was also optimistic that all would be well. President David Kid Site Piggott said he attended a meeting with stakeholders earlier this week and everything "seems to be in order".

The four-time calypso monarch said he saw some genuine efforts to get things done and was satisfied that everything was on course.

Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM) presidentRoger Millar was confident the festival would be "a great one".

"I see no problems arising. I'm confident the festival will be rolled out on time and that it will be successful," he stated.

He said BAM had met with the previous interim committee, the discussions were fruitful and everything seemed satisfactory.

An interim committee was set up by former Prime Minister Owen Arthur to produce Crop-Over last August, after he relieved regular producer the National Cultural Foundation of that responsibility.

A twist of events saw new Prime Minister David Thompson announcing to stakeholders last week Monday that the festival was back in the hands of the NCF. During a post-Cabinet Press conference last week Thursday, it was announced that
Crop-Over would be jointly produced by the NCF and a new-look interim committee. Former NCF CEO Ian Estwick's last day on the job was last Friday. He has been replaced by Vere Browne, interim coordinator of the festival.

Repeated efforts to get a comment from president of Barbados Association of Tent Managers (BATMAN), Sinclair Gittens, proved futile.