Father Paul says high standards needed for Crop Over

By John Sealy

Roman Catholic Priest Father Clement Paul is defending commentators who frown on the behaviour exhibited by some revellers on Grand Kadooment Day.
Paul said yesterday in a letter to the media that the festival was too precious to allow “those who constantly call for high moral standards” to stay quiet.
His defence was in response to a call by the Barbados Association of Masqueraders’ president Roger Millar to commentators to lay off criticism of the revellers.
“Since I am one who from time to time refers to the near-nudity and vulgarity exhibited during the season, I assure you that I consider Crop Over as much more than a national money-earner,” Paul said.
“I consider it as a moment in time when our nation showcases its creativity, its culture and its ability to celebrate and enjoy life . . . .”
 He also said it was because the festival was such a positive one that its standard needed to be kept high.
“It is because it is an expression of the soul of our nation that we need to be vigilant and not allow the evil one to tempt us to lower our guard,”
he commented.
He said that Barbadians could “put on a costume, have a drink and behave themselves”, as he responded to a question from Millar as to how revellers should behave.

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