Since I attended the Nifca Gala in November this is something that has been keeping me up at night…

How can a man performing a song entitled the “The Blue Bells of Scotland” be awarded the Governor General’s Trophy in our local National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (Nifca) competition?

It was determined by Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands that Samuel Millington who performed the song “Blue Bells of Scotland” on his trombone be given the Governor General’s award plus $5000, plus a trophy. That’s a lot of stuff for highlighting England.

I, being the idiot that I am, would stupidly figure that the words “National” and “Independence” mentioned in Nifca would mandate that such a special recognition be given to performance of song which highlights our own Bajan attributes, not a tribute to England.

If the song were “The Khus Khus Grass of our Scotland District” or “The White Sands of we Brandon’s Beach” or Gabby’s “Emmerton” that would be work. But the “Blue Bells of Scotland”??

The Governor General needs to go and come again….

Me, Peter Boyce Voice attended the NIFCA Finals last Monday night at the Frank Collymore Hall. You really must commend the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) on the excellent job they are doing regarding the production of the NIFCA events which in turn provide a competitive enviorment that also serves to nurture and identify new talent in all areas.

If government would only stick to their developmental mandate instead of attempting commercialization we would all be better off. Madd also entered NIFCA when we were looking for exposure back in the early eighties and it served to give us the opportunity to go on to bigger things like where we are now.

Let’s focus on highlights of the quality production which was presented on Monday 5th November. Performers who were outstanding included Debra-Ann Clarke and her son who did a touching rendition of “Walk with Mama”. Comedian/Teacher Carl Padmore performed some effective rhythm poetry entitled “Belly Full”. Combermere Violin Strings also impressed especially with their “plink plank plunk” song and they created some unique sound effects I did’nt know violins could do.

My Pampalam partner Yolanda Holder put down a tight dramatic performance entitled “guard your virginity”. Mime actor Andre Belle was also good and the Coleridge and Parry School choir was outstanding with their charismatic conductor. I know that when you think of culture people sometimes think it will be humdrum and boring but you should go out and check the performances happening in the NIFCA events, you will be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.

Coming Soon; Nifca; The Badd