Going out on a high

THIS MAY BE the last year residents of Blackman’s, St Joseph, hold their annual kite-flying community fun day next to Andrews Sugar Factory.

That is because the area has been earmarked for construction of an expanded multimillion-dollar sugar factory for the revival of the industry.

But this year, the kite-lovers made certain they gathered to see the hoisting of two gigantic 25-foot kites in recognition of the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations.

One of the organisers of the event, Neilo Mascoll, said that this year the crowd was smaller compared to previous years but he was appreciative of those who turned up. He also thanked those responsible for allowing them to use the playing field over the years.

“The land isn’t ours and we can’t fight for what isn’t. I’m thankful that Innotech afforded us the opportunity. They came forward and assisted me in a really [big way],” he said.

The second 25-foot kite in a tribute to Barbados’ 50 years of independence. 

Mascoll explained that the company provided a generator, electricity and in particular water tanks, which greatly assisted the district that’s still enduring water outages. 

He said even though kite-flying might be considered a dying tradition, they would make sure the community held on to it for as long as possible.

“But with this construction this was the only area we have to fly kites,” he stated, adding it was possible they would relocate.

Around 1:27 p.m. one of the kites sponsored by Marshall Trading was hoisted after a few hiccups and flew for about 32 seconds.

The two large bamboo kites were made of polyurethane and flown with 2 000 feet of thick black rope. (MR)