Despite this year’s Junior Kadooment being hailed as a success by many, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Carol Roberts, is offering a cautiously optimistic review. While walking through the gardens, several vendors, parents, and spectators praised the changes made from last year, including a different set-up and route for the young revellers, However, Roberts remained grounded, emphasising the importance of seeing the entire event through before celebrating.
“I wouldn’t say that until after the last child, the last junior reveller, the last leader, the last vendor, and of course my staff have reached it home safely, but I think that we’ve got several things right this year,” she told reporters, while acknowledging the inherent challenges.
“There were issues; there always are when you’re dealing with numerous dynamics all moving along the same parallel, but I think this year we did a better job of ironing out the kinks as they occurred.”
Managing children, especially in the intense heat, and reassuring parents were among the tall tasks faced by the NCF, but Roberts expressed confidence in the Foundation’s efforts, saying, “I think that we have scored relatively high this year, but that’s just from where I sit, watching the children parade, having a good time, checking in to make sure there are enough water stations, looking at the patrons.”
One standout aspect of this year’s event was the layout compared to previous years. “The layout is superior by far to what we did last year,” the NCF CEO observed. “The children actually feel as though they’re jumping along a route; it’s decorated as such; there is a clear demarcation via a very low stage as to where they start their choreographies; the space for patrons to watch the parade is also much better laid out and more expansive, so you know, the space for people to take up vantage points. Now if I could just control the heat, I’d be good.”
When asked for a review of the festival’s progress from the official opening to the present, Roberts was positive, yet balanced. “I think it has gone relatively well. I am not one to ignore negative comments and useful criticisms; we store them away, the ones that we can implement or manage immediately before the festival ends, and we take them on board,” she said.
Highlighting the broader scope of the festival, she added, “I think the festival is going relatively well, and I say that not only from the perspective of the events that we’ve produced but also from the hundreds upon hundreds of other events that private promoters and producers have produced.”
She also acknowledged the impressive efforts of private promoters and producers, ranging from high-end events to grassroots community gatherings. “I think they’ve done a good job,” she stated.
Addressing logistical challenges, particularly the rental of services and infrastructure, Roberts confirmed ongoing issues. She pointed out a notable shortage of skilled manpower this year. “Tonnes and tonnes of events are not only stretching capital resources and assets, but also human resources, lighting technicians, and sound engineers.”
The impact of COVID-19 on the industry has not gone unnoticed, leading many skilled workers to seek alternative employment. “The sector is now slowly but surely building back up its resources,” she explained. Shipping delays also continue to affect the timely acquisition of necessary items. Despite these hurdles, Roberts was optimistic, adding, “Against that backdrop, I still think that we’re doing relatively well.” (RG)
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