MINISTER OF TOURISM Richard Sealy has lauded the contribution of entertainers to tourism in Barbados.Presenting a commemorative plaque recently to Richard Stoute in honour of his late brother, entertainer Mike Wilkinson, the minister said “we need to reflect on individuals who have made contributions to the shaping of Barbados as a world-class destination”.At the offices of the Ministry of Tourism in the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Sealy added: “So many of these stalwart entertainers have passed away or retired – although some are still working hard in the industry – and we owe them a debt of gratitude.”
The minister praised Stoute himself for his long-running Teen Talent Show, from which many of Barbados’ contemporary entertainers emerged.Sealy said Teen Talent Show had become a nursery for musical talent for more than two decades.Stoute, after thanking the minister for the plaque, said: “Mike Wilkinson’s kids will cherish it and be proud to receive it; and his family will see it as a reward for what he did for Barbados.” Added Stoute: “It’s a beautiful gesture, because Mike was a phenomenal entertainer, and promoted Barbados through tours and at the 1967 Montreal Expo.”
