CDC Chair Sets the Record Straight

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Carnival

Monday, 16 July 2012 02:30

By Everton Barnes

Antigua St. John’s – Newly installed Chairman of the Carnival Development Committee (CDC), Kayode O’Marde, said he is happy with what his committee has been able to achieve since his appointment just over three months ago.

Speaking on Observer weekend talk show programme, O’Marde said following a series of intensive meetings over the past week, the CDC has been able to resolve a number of outstanding matters that had potential to affect the outcome of Carnival 2012.

Despite this, however, the CDC chairman said some of the criticisms that have been leveled at him have been unfair. “I understand that criticism is going to come my way because of the position I now hold. But when the criticisms come in the form of outright lies and propaganda, then that’s where I draw the line,” he retorted.

O’Marde made it clear that he is not against constructive criticism that is designed to make the national festival better. “I am open to any suggestion or criticism that in the end can move our Carnival forward. Unfortunately, there are some people with agendas, political and otherwise, whose motives are suspect,” he stated.

There have been suggestions from one political commentator that O’Marde was using his position to advance the cause of soca artiste Tian Winter, with whom he has had a longstanding relationship as manager prior to his appointment as CDC Chairman.

But O’Marde maintained that nothing could be further from the truth. “In fact, since my appointment, I have had to step back from being as involved with his Carnival preparation as I have been in the past,” he said.

Meanwhile, the CDC chairman said preparations for the 2012 Carnival celebrations are well advanced and he is looking forward to a successful festival. He said he expects improvements to the various Carnival shows, noting for instance that this year all the queen contestants have been sponsored – a feat that has not been achieved for a number of years.

Additionally, the Queen of Carnival show has also been able to secure a title sponsor – Harney Motors and this is an accomplishment with which he is quite pleased.

Regarding the Calypso Monarch Finals, the CDC boss said that this show has been recording a decline in attendance in recent years, but he is pleased to note that a public rivalry has developed between De Bear and Zacari and he expects that this would generate more interest in the show.

O’Marde said, thus far, he has been able to gain valuable experience that he hopes will help the CDC in its planning and preparation not just for this year, but for Carnival 2013 as well.
 

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