CULTURAL AMBASSADOR ANTHONY MIGHTY GABBY CARTER is among those waiting on the new David Thompson administration to determine their fate.

A former Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate for The City, Gabby was appointed cultural ambassador three years ago under former Prime Minister Owen Arthur and his salary was paid through his office.

The calypsonian and entertainer said any future work in an ambassadorial capacity "was totally in the hands of the new Prime Minister".

"The Government is just a few days old. You have to give them a chance; they can't do everything at once," the eight-time calypso monarch said.

Gabby congratulated Prime Minister Thompson and the DLP on last Tuesday's victory, adding he was looking forward to working with the new administration
in any capacity.

"At the end of the day it's about Barbados first. Barbados has been fortunate from about the 1950s to be blessed with great leadership. I can't see it changing. Thompson has been practising the skills that can easily continue the trend," Gabby said.

He said he was satisfied that Barbados was on the right path and leading the Eastern Caribbean countries in the area of cultural development, but there were some areas that could be improved.

Gabby said he wanted to see more programmes at the primary school level in the areas of folk, calypso and drama.

He also wanted to see a continued thrust towards closer ties with Africa, noting that it could be a very lucrative market and Barbados could benefit from shared ideas.

He was looking forward to the day when culture took pride of place in whatever ministry it was attached to.

As cultural ambassador, Gabby has conducted several workshops and shared tips on drama and writing. He has also met with culture ministers in different countries
and attended official functions.
(YB)