Independent Senator Jamal Slocombe has sharply criticised the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), arguing that the state agency has drifted from its core mandate of preserving and promoting Barbados’ culture and heritage.
Speaking during debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 in the Upper House, Slocombe said the NCF, once viewed as a pillar of the island’s cultural and creative industries, is now “emerging to be the sector’s greatest adversary”.
“The National Cultural Foundation was created in 1983…it was considered to be the greatest asset to the advancement of the cultural and creative industries. It is [now] emerging to be the sector’s greatest adversary,” he said, while stressing that his comments were not a personal attack on staff.
“This is not an assault on the institution… what we must now confront [is] that the institution in its current state needs modernising, and capacity [needs] to expand to deliver its mandate. I am not convinced that it can deliver in the current circumstances.”
Slocombe argued that the NCF had shifted too far into event promotion, losing sight of its legislative role.
He pointed specifically to the evolution of the Crop Over festival, suggesting that recent iterations have prioritised commercial appeal over authenticity.
“The National Cultural Foundation has become the biggest promoter in this country. Instead of focusing on the mandate as outlined in the Act… that of preserving and protecting culture and heritage, it finds itself… contradicting that mandate.
“I pay special attention to that of Crop Over. It first started as SOCA 3.0 or 4.0. Last year it was SOCA 5.0. I expect this year they’re going to call it SOCA 6.0…it has become a decibel fete promoter in this country,” Slocombe contended.
Instead, he called for a return to traditional elements, including the Cohobblopot showcase and a stronger focus on the visual spectacle of Grand Kadooment.
“People travel to festivals around the world…for authenticity. You do not want a second version of Trinidad Carnival. People go to a country to immerse themselves in that unique culture and heritage,” Slocombe argued,while warning against “this cycle of tinkering”.
The Senator also raised concerns about increasing competition from private events, singling out Twisted Entertainment over its planned J’ouvert event on Foreday Morning.
Slocombe stressed the need to safeguard traditional observances such as ‘Foreday Morning Jump-Up’, which he believes should remain distinct and protected.
“I find it a colossal travesty that you could have Tipsy now deciding on the day of Foreday jam that they are putting on a private fete.
“Something that I’m very passionate about is ensuring that we protect the elements of the heritage… Foreday morning jump up is one of these. The Foreday jump up now finds itself competing with private jumps. One must have a conscience,” Slocombe said..
“I cannot decide to go to Jamaica on the day that there’s Reggae Summafest and decide that I’m putting on a Bajan fete. I cannot go to Trinidad on the same day there is Monday Mas and decide that I am putting on a Bajan fete either. We must protect what is uniquely ours.”
While noting that the NCF is not officially sponsoring the new event, Slocombe pointed out that the agency has previously partnered with private and even foreign promoters – an approach he suggested warrants closer scrutiny as Barbados seeks to preserve the integrity of its cultural identity.
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