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Deacons Primary Students show off their Kadooment costumes. Also pictured are teacher Dawn-Marie Alleyne (left), Director of the Barbados Museum, Allisandra Cummins and World Heritage Committee Member, Steve Devonish??(G. Brewster/BGIS)

Students of Deacons Primary School entered this year’s Kiddies Kadooment with hopes of winning awards for Historical and Most Colourful band, but they did not anticipate that they would walk away with an even more prestigious prize – the United Nations Inter-American Culture Award.

Officials of the school were recently notified by the Ministry of Culture that it would be presented with the important award for their portrayal of Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.

The band, entitled Oh What A Town, was conceptualised by Principal Shirley Marshall, and designed by both the Principal and Class 4 teacher, Dawn-Marie Alleyne. ??It comprised seven sections, depicting various aspects of the World Heritage Site. These were Sailing into Bridgetown; Mekkin A Dollar; Pretty As A Poppy; Troupin’ the Colours; Lighting Up De Town; De Wharf Rats; and Democracy.

In a recent interview at the St. Michael North West School, Ms. Alleyne said that the school had entered the Crop Over event under the National Cultural Foundation’s Primary Schools’ Workshop, for the first time this year, originally aiming to highlight the 375th anniversary of Bridgetown. She noted, however, that the concept took a different perspective after Barbados was granted World Heritage status for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.

The designer/bandleader pointed out that each section showcased the various activities of Bridgetown and proudly stated that "the concept was well thought through and well presented by the children.?? I know that it has left a lasting impression on many people."

Alluding to their depiction of Town Man, Town Woman, Hawkers?? and Fishermen, Ms. Alleyne added that the band did not only display aspects of Bridgetown, but also highlighted characters that were synonymous with the City.

The Deacons Primary Kiddies Kadooment band also won the Historical Award and the Barbados Manufacturing Association Award, and placed second in the Most Topical category.

sharifa.medford@barbados.gov.bb

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