Barbados Beat
Barbados Beat-Issue#36
By Khalil Goodman
Aug 21, 2007, 7:16

Rebels Ruin it For Mas Leaders 

For many, Kadooment 2007, despite the all-day rain from a tropical storm was fantastic! The gate was opened and they were “wet, drunk and whining” (yeah that was a Shurwayne reference.) HOWEVER, for some bands and bands leaders, security problems ruined the day. Floyd Reifer, Barbadian cricketer and leader of the band Radikal was but one of the Mas Leaders calling for upgraded security for 2008 after “rebels” ruined the day for his band.

Reifer and his Mas partner Amanda Forde were part of a press conference last week held by the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM). They said, "unless we get the assurances from the Attorney-General and Minister of Culture in writing. That the army, Task Force and police would be deployed in full force and they will be deployed to every band to ensure that they complete the route in safety, we the bandleaders will NOT be putting bands on the road next year!"

Forde said that rebels intruded the bands, threw bottles and stones into the band, invaded drinks trucks and fought with band members. The police noted that on the road there were instances of stabbing and gunshots being heard behind one band.

Trevor Chase, bandleader of Outrage, which won several titles, including King and Queen Of The Band said he felt costumed bands were not respected or appreciated by authorities. He was commenting on the lawlessness and violence that affected many bands on Grand Kadooment Day. More on this next week… 

Show's Over for Banks Girl

A half naked girl in a vat of chocolate may be some guy’s fantasy. But for Saskia Griffith, the eye-catching beauty on the 2007 posters this became a nightmare.

Popularly known as the "Banks Calendar Girl" and officially as Miss Banks 2007, Griffith and Banks Brewery parted ways on Thursday evening after what was described as a "cordial meeting". In a statement issued yesterday, public relations manager with Banks Breweries, Sophia Cambridge, said that by mutual agreement Griffith would not be making any further appearances on behalf of the Banks Beer brand. Cambridge did not reveal why the decision was taken, but the internet was ablaze with the images of Griffith at a Power X Four-promoted party “Eye Candy” at the Party Stand on Saturday, July 21.

At that event, Griffith sat topless in a rubber pool filled with chocolate, which was lathered all over her body. “Eye-Candy” girls then dipped marshmallows and strawberries in the chocolate and ate it. In an expose on the weekend Saskia spoke with the WEEKEND NATION noting that she was only in the chocolate for 15 minutes and that it was meant to “artistic” a nude statue made of chocolate. She however, noted that she was awarded all her monies by Banks and would continue to support the brand. She also wished the 2008 poster girl all the best.

Miss Banks 2007 is the first calendar girl to have been relieved of the title by the beverage company. 
 

Soca Queen Rolls In With new Album 

For those of you wondering if Alison Hinds is ever going to follow up her super hit ‘Roll” with anything new, your questions have been answered.

Crowned the undisputed "Queen of SOCA" by fans world-wide, Alison Hinds much anticipated solo debut entitled "SOCA QUEEN," is set to be distributed both regionally and internationally this Fall.

Featuring production from heavyweights like Salaam Remi (who has worked with Nas, Fugees and Amy Winehouse), Hinds has said that "I see myself as a modern singer. So many genres of music influenced me and CD reflects that eclecticism."  

The track "Roll It Gal" which Alison has been riding high on for two years will be on "Soca Queen." So too reinterpretations of some of her previous hits including the pro female jump up "Ladies Rule", and Togetherness."

Additionally, "SOCA QUEEN" contains banging new songs, among them the Salaam Remi produced "The Show" and "The More You Get", which ALISON says is "very modern and for the girls. "I'm letting them know that on or off the dance floor we can tell the guys what to do. It's one of my favourites, and working with Salaam was great, because he's so versatile and laid back".

During the 2007 Crop Over celebrations Alison received ample air play of the songs “Myspace” and “Soca Nation.” 

Weekly Wrap-Up

Not much again for the wrap up except to say if you have any questions or comments about this column please send them to info@islandevents.com or to me at khalil.goodman@gmail.com. See you next week family!