Onward Christian Masqueraders

BARBADOS TODAYS IS reporting that Roman Catholic priest Father Clement Paul believes more Christians should become involved in regular Kadooment bands as opposed to the Christian band, Walk Holy.

“I appreciate the artform and Crop-Over itself. I look forward to the day when Walk Holy will not be a band and would in fact have its members in bands like Ooutraje . . .”, he said at the launch of Ooutraje’s Kadooment band last night at the Village Gate, Waterford, St. Michael where he blessed the band.

He added: “What I look forward to is the day when people don’t see what they’re seeing nowadays, all they see now is nakedness; they don’t see beauty, ... I’m talking about the extra Christian ones, in the context of Christians, they don’t see beauty, they don’t see creativity, togetherness, camaraderie, relaxation, celebration, they don’t see these things, all they tell you about is nakedness and wukking up. That’s all they see and yet we can see other things; can’t we? We can see beauty, togetherness, an attempt to play, which is a very important time to play so I hope you can see all of that as you celebrate your Crop-Over,” he told the audience that included band members, sponsors and officials from the National Cultural Foundation.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Paul elaborated on his comments saying that with Christians in other bands, they would bring a wholesomeness to the event that culminates the festival.

“We need more Christians to join the ordinary bands and make a difference by behaving in a way that is wholesome,” he said.

Paul was of the opinion that this move would be similar to that of “God becoming human in the form of Jesus” and outlined the ways Christian influence would make a difference in mainstream Kadooment bands.

“They can make sure that costumes are appropriate for them. There is no need for half-naked costumes and they can still be artistically pleasing.

“They can [also] encourage people to drink in moderation, and by themselves show people you can still dance and enjoy yourself but not in a way that if Jesus was in the band you would be ashamed and have to hide your head,” he added.

While Walk Holy’s bandleader Marcia Weekes declined to comment, Ooutraje’s Trevor Chase said that Christians do have a place in the festival. He agreed that the band, which walks ahead of the revellers, should continue to do so and noted that it would be hard for them to minister to those playing mas’ that day.

Power X Four’s bandleader, Chetwyn Stuart, told Barbados TODAY from Trinidad that Christians do jump in other bands but “they don’t wear a sign on their foreheads saying I am a Christian” neither did the bisexuals or others who played mas’ either, he said.

“People can do what they want to do. I don’t see anything wrong with them unifying and bringing their own band,” he added.

Veteran bandleader Betty West wants none of it. “No, no, no, not at all”, was her response to the question. She was adamant that Walk Holy should remain as a separate band.

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