What the Heck is a Cultural Ambassador?
What the heck is a Cultural Ambassador any ways?
I had to ask myself that question when I was at the Government cultural consultation at Sherbourne center on February 26th,2007. On that occasion our Cultural Ambassador Anthony Gabby Carter was at the microphone attempting to put over his points of view and was being scolded by the chairman of the session for attempting to “grand stand” and digress away from the point under discussion, eventually Gabby had to sit with out being able to fully make all his points.
Here is my concern, Gabby has been selected by government to be our “Cultural Ambassador”. our “Cultural Ambassador” should not have been sitting in the audience with the rest of us clamoring for an opportunity to make his point, he should be sitting at the head table with the other government big ups and be free to make any point he wishes to make on the industry as part of the opening remarks.
When I attended the business lunch meeting with Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office on 24th January 2007, Gabby was also there, and it did not appear to me there were any special privileges accorded to him either.he could make a contribution same as a yahoos like me and that was it.
Gabby made many points at that meeting that were salient and valid; being a person who has been involved in the cultural industries in many different capacities he has a wealth of experience from which he can speak.
Gabby should be the go between government and the industry. Where entertainers should be able to go to him with problems the industry has and he should have the power and authority to address the issues raised and settled in a manner which benefits not only entertainers but also government. Other wise what is the point of the post Cultural Ambassador?
We should not even have to ask for this, the government appointed Gabby and they need to recognise their own appointment.
If during the reading of this blog there is any thing I might have written which might have incensed or offended you, GET OVER IT! There are many things I read and hear in the media on a daily basis that I don't like either. SO DEAL WITH IT! You are welcome to leave your comments though. Make sure and come back yuh hear !!!...
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May 8th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Very Good Questions Pete. I did not need to ask them as I recognized the “appointment” for what it was early O’clock.
I agree with honoring Gabby and hats off but where is the Authority that comes with being Ambassador? What is his purpose? Does he serve Barbados as an ambassador while our cultural heritage continues to suffer from an onslaught of penetrative forces hither to, alien to our culture? Will the Ambassador be the first to scream (or sing) That AINT we culture when elements damage Barbados’ good name?
Where can we go sit and discuss things cultural with the ambassador? Does he have an official office or do we butt up on Gabberts at shows?
Finally Pete…why you start me up?
May 12th, 2007 at 8:19 am
Hi Pete,
Wow this is exactly what we need. Excellent!
Yes and if we see something we doan like then GET OVER IT…..
Now apart from this – Can you have a special guest column? Where ‘you decide’ who will be featured on a weekly basis. “another (inter)view”
I am sure we can add to your blog…rather than starting one as well.
Then perhaps you can have a ‘ for pete’s sake” segment, where you request a change or for us to look at another matter…whatever.
Wuhloss!!! you ent ever gine stop?? I so proud!!!
Keep up the good work ad keep we t’inking boy.
Next step…de papuh!!! Ef duh allow yuh..yuh know how dem feel ’bout you???
May 17th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Ah boy….my sentiments exactly!!! Look like Gaberts will be back in competition soon, singing in Bacchanal Time Tent wid he “son” Kidsite. LOL
If he is a “toothless dog” wid nuh office, power, influence etc, he might as well sing in de competion fuh he supper….cause based on what I reading…it can’t be nuh conflict of interest!!!
On a serious note, I agree with you Peter, it is no way our Cultural Ambassador, with eons of experience, should be shot down at a consulation and relegated to a “boy in the yard.”
It screams that obviously it is lip service and that this admistration is not serious about culture. You can’t appoint a man and then he have no real role to play, a man as cultural as Gabby at that! We all know that Gabby has a really big contribution to make in this area….well well well.
Maybe Gabby should have another “Conversation With Mr. Barrow.”
May 18th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Wuh loss, WUH loss, WUH LOSS!
May 19th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
I notice the NCF is already talking about reduced sponsorship. They do not realise how true that comment by the Chairman is because I know for a fact that a major sponsor is not putting up any money this year after the treatment they received last year
May 22nd, 2007 at 11:01 am
Come on people
examine how when and where Gabby was given the title
examine what point in his career this accolade/title/whatever– came
Please note thatObadele Thompson had some complaints too
June 8th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Hey Pete,
This is such a progressive move; this forum. You work hard towards challenging obstacles faced by those of us whose “bread & butter” depends upon the evolution of the Music Biz.
Good work by yourself, and Darron.
Much support,
“Indrani”
http://www.myspace.com/indra_butterfly
July 26th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
well somebody musse hear you Pete my boy cause de Cultural Ambassador got a new name…wait fuhrit!